Watching "Friends" is always my go-to when I need a break from school, when I'm feeling blue, or simply when I need a good laugh. But beyond the punch lines and lovable characters are some real life lessons that all twenty-somethings can relate to and learn from. Perhaps these takeaways are what has made this sitcom such a cornerstone of entertainment for young adults for the past two decades.
1. You don’t have to have it all figured out in your twenties to live a happy, fulfilling life.
The six friends certainly didn't have perfect lives. From awful dates to unfulfilling jobs, they took what life handed them and made it work. Happiness is something you create, not something handed to you on a platter.
2. Sometimes you find love where you least expect it.
When Monica and Chandler first met at a Geller Family Thanksgiving, they probably didn't expect to be married ten years later. They spent years as good friends before one fateful night changed everything. Sometimes the best relationships start off as the best friendships.
3. Don’t let other people’s judgments stop you from being you.
Phoebe didn't care what anyone else thought when she ran through the park, and you don't have to care what other people think of your quirky habits either.
4. People can change and grow.
At the beginning of the "Friends" series, Chandler was awkward and insecure with himself. No one ever expected him to find true love, yet he did. And he grew into a great husband and father.
5. Chasing your dreams can be scary, but it sure beats sticking with a career you hate.
As Rachel transitioned from spoiled girl using Daddy's credit card to working girl at the coffeehouse and ultimately a successful career in the fashion industry, each baby step was a leap of faith. But she took those baby steps, and it was so worth it for her when she made her dreams come true.
6. Just because something isn’t done the traditional way doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful.
All three women in "Friends" experienced birth and motherhood in a different way, yet each was beautiful; Phoebe served as a surrogate mother for her brother and his wife, Rachel became a single mother, and Monica became a mother after adopting two babies.
7. Your past doesn’t define you; it just gives you the quirks that make you who you are.
Everyone has a past, but few people have a past as interesting as Phoebe's. While she could have wallowed in the negativity of her upbringing, she used it to craft a unique and intriguing life--and some great song lyrics.
8. What’s meant to be will always find its way.
For ten years, Ross and Rachel shifted between friends, lovers, and enemies. But in the end, despite all the drama that kept them apart for so long, they still found their way back together.
9. Ultimately, it’s the people in your life that count.
When it comes down to it, it's not the fancy cars, luxurious vacations, or prestigious careers that give meaning to your life. It's the people--those who make you laugh, who give you a shoulder to cry on, and who always have your back. That's what these six friends had, and perhaps this bond is what makes "Friends" a show so many young adults come back to time and time again.
