Friends is the iconic American sitcom that aired from 1994 to 2004, but even in 2024, people are still watching the show on various OTT platforms, and it remains one of the most-watched shows on Netflix.
The show doesn’t just make people laugh; it also impacts their lives and offers some valuable life lessons. Below are six life lessons that can be taken from the Friends series.
Table of Contents
Never Give Up on Love
Ross had a crush on Rachel since college, but he lacked the confidence to express his feelings. He got married to Carol, got divorced, and then reconnected with Rachel at Central Perk. Eventually, he proposed to Rachel, and despite their ups and downs—aside from the “We were on a break” part—Ross never gave up on Rachel, and ultimately, he managed to convince Rachel to get off the plane.
The Importance of Friendship
The series has shown that true friendship does exist. Chandler and Joey are best friends. Chandler lent money to Joey during his tough times and supported his acting career without ever asking for the money back. Also, when Chandler and Monica needed money, Joey helped them out significantly to overcome their situation. Even after getting married, starting a family, and moving to Westchester County, New York, Chandler didn’t forget to keep a “Joey room” in their new house.
We also see a true gesture of friendship when everyone learns that Phoebe has never ridden a bicycle, and the bicycle gift from Ross symbolizes this.
Follow Your Passion
Chandler was not very happy in his job, though he was earning a decent amount. Even his friends didn’t know what his job was—maybe he was a “transponster?” But in the end, he finds his interest and decides to quit his job. He later joined an advertising agency as a copywriter. He might not have been earning as much as before, but he was happier than at his previous job.
After leaving her wedding, Rachel starts to work at Central Perk coffee shop. Initially unhappy pouring coffee, which was not her dream, she had an interest in the fashion industry but lacked any prior knowledge. However, she managed to secure a job in the fashion industry, later becoming an assistant buyer at Bloomingdale’s and then working as an executive at Ralph Lauren.
Love Comes in Many Forms
Love is not always straightforward, and sometimes friendship turns into love. Chandler and Monica were just friends, but their friendship turned into a relationship. Chandler was afraid of commitment, but eventually, he realized that Monica was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. “Mondler” became one of the most popular couples on TV.
Always Be Yourself
Phoebe didn’t have a regular childhood, losing her parents and living on the streets, but she was always kind and happy. She didn’t care what others thought when she did something. She just loved doing what she wanted, like singing a song she liked, regardless of whether others liked it or not, running like a child, or having the straightforward talk.
I wish I could but I don’t want to
Selfless Good Deeds
Although Joey and Phoebe believed that selfless good deeds don’t exist, Ross walking Carol down the aisle shows the sign of a selfless good deed. Initially, Ross struggled with the fact that his ex-wife was marrying another woman, but eventually, he overcame his emotions and decided to support her wedding.
The Friends series is more than just a series; it’s an emotion for millions of people. It has changed people’s lives and taught them lessons in various ways throughout the decades.
In conclusion, whether you’re a student, a business person, or someone with a job, having friends in life makes your life easier. You don’t need too many friends, just a few you can count on when you’re in the lowest position in your life or just to hang out in a coffee shop. If you have a circle of friends you can count on, consider yourself lucky.
