After months of investing my time into watching a television sitcom in its entirety, I can confidently say that it was time well spent for a few specific reasons. First, I began watching "Friends" around the time of my winter break, so it occupied the otherwise very boring days very nicely. After waking up and running a few errands, I would turn on the TV and watch Joey, Chandler, Ross, Monica, Rachel, and Phoebe hilariously deal with everyday life. Second, along with occupying my days with entertainment, the show actually taught me a few life lessons that I won't forget although I have officially finished the series.
1. It is okay to be yourself.
Every single character in the show has a very distinct personality, and they are not afraid to show it. Monica is a neat freak, Chandler is the "funny guy," Rachel is materialistic, Ross is a nerd, Phoebe is a free spirit, and Joey is a little dumb. Although each character is unique in their own way, they are not afraid to be who they are. Ross isn't afraid to constantly bore his friends with stories about paleontology, and Rachel isn't afraid to talk about how excited she is about finding a sale on a new handbag.
2. You don't always have to have everything figured out.
Throughout the shows, the characters experience very high ups and very low downs. Many times, Joey cannot even find an audition and has zero income coming in. Monica works at a diner at one point and has to wear fake breasts and a '60s diner costume. Although the friends sometimes get fired, or get dumped, or cannot find a new job, they are still doing okay. This show has taught me that you don't always need everything figured out—sometimes, life will throw you a curve ball.
3. Friends are everything.
Although it is a giveaway by the title of the series, friendship is the most important thing to each of the characters. When one of the characters doesn't like who one of their friends is dating, they tell them right away. Or, when one of the friends needs advice, they can always go to one of the other five for help and reassurance. This show has taught me that friendship is one of the most important things in life because your friends will always be there for you when you need them.
4. Never go on a "break" with your significant other.
If there is one defining motif of the show, it is the infamous "break" that Ross and Rachel take in Season 2. After Rachel tells him that she wants to take a break from their relationship, Ross goes to a bar and ends up leaving with another woman. Although Ross claims it wasn't cheating because Rachel wanted a break, Rachel argues that he still cheated on her. They continue to argue about this for the remainder of the series. So, this show has definitely taught me that this is a dumb idea.
5. Don't overlook what's right in front of you.
A perfect example of this is Monica and Chandler. In the first four seasons of "Friends," Monica and Chandler are just friends and don't have many interactions. However, after Ross's wedding, when they drunkenly sleep together, they form a relationship. They date and eventually marry later in the series and are absolutely perfect for each other. Sometimes your soulmate might be right in front of you and you don't realize it.
