Many people find it difficult to pick their favorite "Friends" character because each of them are unique in their own way. Whether it's the quirkiness of Phoebe, the obsessiveness of Monica or the adorableness of Joey, you can always find something to love. However, to me, it's obvious that Chandler is and will always be their best friend, and here's why.
1. His sarcasm
It's Chandler's use of humor as a defense mechanism that has an audience laughing for hours.
2. He is open about who he is
Chandler knows exactly who he is because of his troubled past. He knows he uses humor to surpress his childhood trauma of his parents divorcing, and he knows he needs mac and cheese on Thanksgiving because he hates the holiday. His character develops so well throughout the show due to him opening up and accepting lifetime commitments - looking at you, Monica.
3. His awkwardness
Aside from the awesome football Thanksgiving episode, another scene embraced by Chandler's awkwardness was the episode where he hooks up with Rachel's boss and ends up handcuffed to her cabinet.
4. His interactions with Janice
OH. MY. GOD. Janice always seemed to force her way into most seasons in one way or another, and Chandler always hated when she did. Whether it was when she turned out to be the one he was talking to online, or when she was in labor right next to Rachel, either way, Janice scenes always meant for some hysterical Chandler lines.
5. His metaphors
Again, using his humor to describe deep topics in such a light and graphic light. That's the Chandler we love.
6. His dancing
His dancing truly never fails to make a Friends scene memorable. His lanky arms and excitable hops always showed Chandler's true feelings.
7. His hand gestures to explain how he's feeling
Eddie was random and weird and always an odd replacement for Joey once he had moved out of the apartment. This scene was especially strange, as it involved Eddie explaining how Chandler and him had just returned from Las Vegas after gambling for a few days. We never understood Eddie either, Chandler.
8. His Flock of Seagulls 80's look
As much as this so obviously encapsulated the eighties style so perfectly, it always had an essence of Chandler's dorky personality when he was back in college.
9. His persistence and determination
This entire episode frustrated me, because as much Ross wanted to help Chandler in quitting the gym, he himself could not deny the persuasion of such a place. However, Chandler stayed strong and stood his endless love for Monica.
10. His endless love for Monica
Getting with Monica really was the making of Chandler. Not only was Matthew Perry's wonderful acting displayed in the scenes he had with Courtney Cox, but there was also a depth and emotional side to Chandler that the audience hadn't seen before. Their engagement scene was the highlight for me, as it highlighted just how completely in love with each other they were.
11. His relationship with the chick and the duck.
Seeing Joey and Chandler interact with the chick and the duck gave the audience a warm feeling, and we knew just how much they cared for them. That's why, in the finale when Chandler insists that Joey keep them, we couldn't help but tear up.
12. His friendship with Joey
Speaking of Joey, this pair were exceptional when on screen together. Even as the seasons moved on and they no longer lived together, their bond remained the same, and it was obvious just how much they really cared for each other as best friends.
13. And generally how awesome of a friend he is
All humor and joking aside, Chandler was there when the Friends needed him most. He was there for Joey when he didn't get acting jobs, for Rachel when she embarrassed herself in front of Joshua in her cheerleader costume, and there for Monica when she never believed she would find 'the one.'
Chandler will always be the best Friend...
