17 Times Leslie Knope And Ben Wyatt Were #RelationshipGoals
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

17 Times Leslie Knope And Ben Wyatt Were #RelationshipGoals

I love them and I like them.

3006
17 Times Leslie Knope And Ben Wyatt Were #RelationshipGoals
NBC

Warning: If you're in the early seasons of "Parks and Recreation," this article contains spoilers.

If you're a big "Parks and Recreation" fan, then you probably absolutely adore the main character, Leslie Knope. You probably also adore her relationship with Ben Wyatt and love watching them grow together. You might have hated Ben at first, but that's OK, because we all grew to love him — even Tom and April did.

Leslie and Ben's relationship is perhaps the cutest ever. So here are 17 times Ben and Leslie were the real #relationshipgoals.

1. When they grew to be friends first.

Late in season two, Ben Wyatt appears for the first time as a budget auditor with the always-positive Chris Traeger. At first, Leslie isn't a huge fan of Ben, because he represents a threat to her beloved Parks and Recreation Department. Soon, though, Leslie learns that she has to make the best of the situation, and she befriends Ben after drunkenly yelling at him.

2. When they both liked each other, but neither would admit anything.

After the two grew to be friends, it was pretty obvious that both of them were into each other. They flirted like the huge dorks they were (and are — see photo above.) Leslie talked about her feelings with Ann, and Ben even attempted to check out Jerry's topless painting of Greek goddess Diaphena, which was totally inspired by Leslie.

3. When they finally got together for the first time.

Again, spoiler alert. After a super steamy trip to Indianapolis, the two kissed for the first time. Leslie and Ben began their secret relationship. All of us squealed like little girls and it was almost as great as JJ's waffles.

4. When they were an amazing team.

From the Harvest Festival to the Knope 2012 campaign, these two have always made the best team ever. They come up with fantastic ideas, feed off of each other's energies and balance each other's weaknesses. No wonder they later made amazing parents.

5. When Ben put Leslie's dreams before his own desires.

When Ben and Leslie were together the first time, Leslie was given the opportunity to run for office. She knew that her secret relationship with Ben would be poison to her campaign, so instead of breaking up with him, she just avoided telling him altogether. Ben secretly knew, though, and told Leslie she should run. *sobbing noises*

6. When they couldn't be apart anyway.

After their first break-up, Leslie and Ben struggled to be apart. They eventually meet at the Smallest Park, where Leslie tells Ben that she can't stand being away from him. The two re-unite, we cry again and they later face a trial for their secret relationship.

7. When Ben sacrificed his job for Leslie.

During the trial, it looked like Leslie might lose her position as deputy director of the Parks Department. Everyone was shocked when she only received a two week paid suspension from work, but it turned out it was because Ben had taken all the blame and stepped down from his Assistant City Manager position. *cue more tears*

8. When they said "I love you" for the first time.

After the trial, Leslie learned about Ben's noble deed and found out that he confessed his love for her on the record. Leslie dragged court stenographer, Ethel Beavers, out in the snow to do the same for Ben and we all cried happy tears again.

9. When Ben came home from DC with a surprise.

After Leslie's campaign, Ben goes to DC to run a Congressional Campaign for a seat in Ohio. Between all this, Leslie is looking for a home for the two to buy together, and learns that he might be gone a little longer, so she goes to the home to back out. Instead, Ben surprises her with the most beautiful proposal.

10. When they just couldn't wait to get married.

Months before their actual wedding date, Ben and Leslie decide they should be married at a Gala for the Pawnee Commons. Ann fixes Leslie's unfinished dress with newspaper clippings, Ron makes the rings, and Councilman Jamm ruins the evening with a stink bomb. But wait...

11. When their friends put together a surprise wedding.

After Ron gets out of jail for punching Jamm, he and Leslie stop by the office, where Ben and friends have set up the most adorable wedding. Such true and impatient love is what everyone wants, right?

12. Anytime that Leslie ever complimented Ben.

While most of her forward compliments are reserved for Ann, the ones that Leslie gives to Ben are the ones that all of us want our spouses to say.

13. When they went to prom together... in their forties.

Because who doesn't want to have their husband say yes when they're asked to attend senior prom 20+ years after high school graduation?

14. Anytime they said, "I love you and I like you."

This catch phrase is what makes these two Ben and Leslie, and it's just so sweet that we all secretly want to throw it into our own wedding vows.

15. When Leslie made Ben make his stupid surprise face.

For their anniversary, Ben is determined to surprise Leslie — who, of course, is busy with official Parks/City Council business. The next day, Leslie surprises Ben with a giant Game of Thrones "Iron Throne" and he makes the face pictured above.

16. When Ben stood up for Leslie.

During Ben's 2018 Congressional campaign, Leslie takes a lot of heat. Like the great husband he is, Ben stands up for her and allows her to stand up for herself just as well. Everyone wants their S/O to stick up for them when they need it.

17. When they had their own special place.

The wildflower mural that they both love so much is so touching and tugs on all of our hearts. It's just the kind of thing that makes us all say, "Ugh, #relationshipgoals."

Ben and Leslie, we love you and we like you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

86682
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

52630
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments