When I want to go on an emotional roller coaster, I watch a few episodes of One Tree Hill and sit pensively with my thoughts. I love exploring different characters in literature and television, and the various characters of One Tree Hill are exciting and complicated people to study, especially in how they interact with one another. Of course, there are a TON of different combinations of characters I could've included in this list, but here are some of the more prominent ones and, briefly, what I've taken from them.

1. Nathan and Haley

There's a good reason why these two are listed first, because they are without a doubt the series' power couple. Seasons one through nine they stick together in spite of tragedy and disagreement that usually has the power to tear people apart. They play a risky game choosing marriage while simultaneously trying to develop their individual identities, but nonetheless they support one another unconditionally. Despite coming from drastically different backgrounds with regards to family dynamic and socioeconomic status, they have an incredible sense of mutual maturity, respect, and empathy. And, even though they face a plethora of challenges within their nuclear and extended family, they are consistently there for their friends in their respective times of struggle. Lastly, they graced us with the gift that is James Lucas Scott, who's presence is invaluable. Needless to say, Naley: Always and Forever.

2. Brooke, Haley, and Peyton

This trio of women never ceases to pull through for one another, even in times of loss and betrayal, constantly learning to accept and embrace their differing definitions of femininity, love, and self-expression. While they have their respective friendship dynamics, all with their own unique value, they ultimately always come together as a cohesive unit. They know how to balance the light occasions with the dark ones, pushing themselves to find the importance in both. And, despite sometimes screwing up, they remind one another that in the end they have always and will always matter to one another in lieu of their mistakes.

3. Jamie and, well, essentially EVERYONE

Let's face it. Jamie Scott is an angel. Besides the fact that he might just be the most precious child to ever set foot on this planet, he has an overwhelming amount of beautiful virtues to back up his charm. He connects instantly with almost everyone despite his mild shyness. Whether it's Mom, Dad, Uncle Lucas, Aunt Peyton, Aunt Brooke, Nanny Deb, Grandpa Dan, Quentin Fields, Andre, Uncle Skills, Aunt Quinn, etc. Jamie Scott finds something powerful and unique in each and every individual he encounters. He gives people the benefit of the doubt, partially due to his childish innocence, but also due to his genuinely hopeful and compassionate heart. Jamie teaches us that friendship, connection, wisdom, and empathy don't discriminate based on age, and that a patient and open mind has the potential to reach out to almost anyone. Bless up, lil' Jamie.

4. Karen and Keith

I must give power couple credit where credit is due to Naley, but my heart gives a deeply honorable mention to Karen and Keith. As we all know, Dan left Karen to raise Lucas on her own (which we also know she was PERFECTLY capable of doing because she is the embodiment of a smart, strong, sexy, independent woman), and Keith functioned as a type of father-figure for Lucas. But what makes the nature of their relationship great is that Keith was equally as invested in his love for Lucas as he was for Karen while fully respecting Karen's choice and agency as a single parent. He entered into their lives appropriately and gave them space when it was necessary. He didn't push himself in, but rather was honored when he was invited. Karen and Keith represent patience, respect, and loyalty, and both serve as role-models and confidants for all of the Tree Hill fam.

5. Dan and Nathan

This is perhaps the show's most complex relationship. Dan is an aggressive, manipulative, overbearing father who projects the standards he could never achieve onto his son, Nathan. He is a terrible husband, a heartless coach, a failure of a brother, and an inadequate father. He commits crimes that are UNFORGIVABLE, but I think that his character and how it functions in his relationship with his son throughout the series is valuable for several reasons. Nathan recognizes his father's abusive agenda and files for emancipation, leaving Dan, although externally rigid, internally having to reflect on all the ways he went wrong. He spends the entirety of the series having to redeem himself, constantly sacrificing for the ones he loves and having to not expect their gratitude or forgiveness due to the darkness he has put them through. Dan and Nathan's relationship is an example of what it's like to try and make sense of the ones you love who betray you. Nathan is strong and chooses distance and a severance of ties, but ultimately finds a place in his heart for his father. They come to a mutual peace, whether Dan really deserves his forgiveness or not, and the complexities of this relationship speak to the human process of finding value and empathizing with those we think we might never be able to.

6. Peyton and Lucas

Peyton and Lucas aren't my favorite couple. I don't like how dependent Peyton is made out to be on Lucas, and I am often frustrated with the way Lucas plays emotional games with people, especially Peyton. But, what I DO love about their relationship is they way it speaks to following one's gut. Peyton knows that she's in love with Lucas and she's willing to believe in that love because she feels in her gut that it's strong enough to withstand the multitude of trials that these two are put through. Her commitment to him is not in vain, for he eventually stops denying his feelings for her and their love finally finds a sense of completeness. What I think their relationship really says is that, try as you might, the truth will prevail. It will consume you until you take ownership of it, and owning your truth might be a risk, but some cases everything works itself out.