Through breakups, makeups, and career changes, six wildly different people with polar opposite personalities managed to stay glued together. How? One guess can be the consumption of more than enough coffee to fuel a small nation. You’re a noob in the sitcom scene if you still haven’t guessed what we are talking about. Yes, it’s Friends.
From the questionable 90s fashion to the never-ending debates on ‘we were on a break!’, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Rachel, Phoebe, and Joey survived it all. ‘Friends’ wasn’t just a TV show, it was a masterclass on cultivating friendships that might last a lifetime. If you’re someone who’s looking for a lesson or two about friendship, pull up a chair in the Central Perk, because we are going for a ride.
The 'Friends' Guide To Strong And Lasting Friendships
The 'Apartment 20' Principle
One of the most iconic elements of the show was Apartment 20, Monica’s apartment, which became the heart of the group’s interactions. Trust me, that place has seen things. Be it the happiest or the saddest moments, that apartment has seen it all. It was a place where everyone felt safe and at home, where they could vent, laugh, and just be themselves.
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So what’s the lesson here? Creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for your friends can really help with the bond. It can be your home, a favorite coffee shop, cafe, or any go-to place that can foster meaningful conversations and can foster a sense of belonging and security in your friendship.
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The ‘Joey Special’
We all know Joey doesn’t share food… or does he? Joey Tribbiani’s love for food wasn’t just about eating, it was about sharing experiences with people he loved the most. Nine out of the ten most iconic food-related moments throughout the show had Joey in them, and all those moments did nothing but bring everyone together.
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Food has a special power of bringing people together, and sharing a meal with friends creates a sense of intimacy and connection. So what’s the takeaway? Make time for shared experiences because whether it’s ordering takeout, cooking together, or simply catching up over a cup of coffee, it will help solidify relationships.
The ‘Smelly Cat’ Rule
All the ‘Friends’ fans, give me a cheer if you know the Smelly Cat song. Phoebe’s song ‘Smelly Cat’ is as much about an unfortunate cat as it is about embracing quirks. Each of the members of the group has their own set of eccentricities, and you what everyone else did about them? Embrace them just like their own.
True friendship is about loving your friends for who they are, oddities and all. Instead of expecting perfection, loving their imperfections is what makes the bond stronger. Whether it’s their unique taste in art, their slightly annoying habits, bizarre sense of humour, or constantly whining about their exes, at the end of the day that’s the family you chose.
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The ‘Wedding Day’ Support
Friendships are best tested when it comes to showing up for significant moments of each other’s lives. From Ross’ multiple weddings to Monica and Chandler’s emotional vows, the show highlighted the importance of showing up.
Whether it’s celebrating milestones, passing tissues when one of you breaks down after a bad breakup, or just standing by a friend’s side when they need support, just showing up and being present takes you a long way. Because remember, friendship is not just fun and games, it’s about being there through thick and thin.
The ‘Bamboozled’ Principle
No matter what turns life takes, one thing the ‘friends’ gang knew was how to have fun. Whether it was making up their inside jokes or playing ridiculous games like ‘Bamboozled’, having fun was always a part of the deal.
Humour and playfulness are essential components of a lasting friendship. We know life is tough, but what can make it relatively easier is a bunch of friends who bring laughter to your little world. So be it random inside jokes or unexpected adventures, a little fun keeps your friendships exciting and fresh.
Bottomline
‘Friends’ is much more than just a show; it’s a guide for friendships that are based on trust, laughter, support, and shared experiences. By keeping all the aforementioned points in mind, you too can cultivate friendships that stand the test of time. So, take a page from Ross, Monica, Chandler, Rachel, Phoebe, and Joey’s book — after all, they’ll always be there for you. If you know what I mean.