One Last Time: A Thank You Note To ‘Friends’ For Teaching Us All That They Did

I watched F.R.I.E.N.D.S. for the first time in 2013 at the age of 20. Even though I was late to join the club, it only took me a few episodes before I became a loyal fan of the show. I guess it was when I saw Chandler trying extremely hard to talk to Jill Goodacre in that vestibule. Being an introvert myself, I could legit feel his awkwardness in my bones. Or maybe it was when Rachel said that she didn’t want to be a shoe anymore. You see, I had shifted to a new city just a few months ago to start a new life. And watching the determined Rachel convinced me that I no longer wanted to be a shoe either. Umm.. you get it, right?

I want to say that F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is like a fine wine that has aged gracefully, but the fact is that show doesn’t age at all. I watched it when I was a student, and now I watch it as an employed woman. My parents have watched it, and my cousins who are a decade younger than me, are watching Friends: The Reunion episode RN. And I’m sure my grandkids will watch it too one day. Why? Because it does not matter what you are or what you do, the show has got something to offer to all of us.

We all have, over the years, learned way too much from F.R.I.E.N.D.S. And this is us thanking the incredible team for teaching us all of it. Here are a few things for which we are going to be grateful to this iconic show.

It’s Never Too Late To Follow Your Passion

How many years did it take for Joey to become an actor? Many! He performed in some pretty terrible plays, got rejected at auditions and even got shacked from a hit show. But he ultimately made it big. Because despite all his failures (even at learning French), he never quit. He was passionate about his dreams and he didn’t rest until he turned them into a reality.

Following your passion is tough, but the show taught us that if we truly believe, we can make anything happen.

Don’t Settle. Don’t Ever Settle.

Don’t settle for a Barry Farber when you know it in your heart that you want a Ross Geller. If it doesn’t feel right, let it go. Walk away, refuse to compromise and find what you’re truly looking for. That’s what Rachel did when she ran away from her wedding. What Carol did when she split from Ross. And what we should do when we know that we deserve better.

Ask For What You Want

Imagine if Monica had not told Richard that she wanted kids. She wouldn’t have ever found her soulmate in Chandler. And what would have happened if Phoebe had agreed to Mike’s condition of never getting married? She wouldn’t have got the family that she always wanted.

Throughout the seasons, F.R.I.E.N.D.S. reminded us that if we want something, we can always ask for it. And we are so thankful for that.

It’s Okay If you Don’t Have A Plan

It’s really okay! You’re gonna get there anyway. Ross had a plan of getting married to Emily. We all know how that worked out. Rachel didn’t plan on having a baby. But we are sure Emma would be one lucky daughter today (hopefully awake too). You see, we can make all the plans in the world but life will always take us by surprise. At least the show told us that life’s gonna be this way and we’re glad!

They Don’t Care That We Don’t Care That They Don’t…

Basically, who cares what they think?! Had Phoebe given two cents about what others think of her, Smelly Cat wouldn’t have been such a hit. She sang because she loved to sing, ran because she wanted to, and shared all her hysterical stories without any hesitation.

Remember the Phoebe who sang along the bagpipes without a care in the world? That’s the woman I aim to be!

Embrace Your Quirks

We did not love Chandler despite his sarcastic humour, we loved him because of his sarcastic humour. Monica’s competitiveness was not her flaw, but her charm. We all are different and that’s what makes all of us so special.

Invest In Relationships

All the characters of the show invested in their relationships completely. They did not ignore their friends once they found love. And, they did not stop fighting for their love till the very end.

Accept Change

That’s what Monica and Chandler did when they decided to move out of their apartment. That’s what Rachel did when she took a job in Paris. Change is the only constant of life and it may terrify you at the beginning, but there’s absolutely no point resisting it.

Relax, It’s Just Life!

Screwed up? Made a mess? It’s okay! You are meant to make mistakes, fall apart, and then get back together. That’s what life is. And those who truly love you, will be by your side despite everything. Thank you F.R.I.E.N.D.S. for teaching us just that.

After 17 years, The Reunion episode reminded us today, once again, exactly how much we love this show. Because it has taught us to smile on our lowest days and given us hope in our darkest hours. Come to think of it, I never really told you the exact moment when I realised that a mere show has become an integral part of my life. TBH, I don’t know. But after watching 236 episodes in one go for the first time, I knew that it will never get better than that. And, almost eight years later, I stand by it.

Feature Image: Instagram