I’m sure that almost everyone has seen or at least heard of the hit T.V. sitcom Friends. The show follows the lives of six friends throughout the ups and downs of life. After the last episode aired in 2004, many fans are still re-watching episodes because of the life lessons it teaches you while being absolutely, knee-slapping hilarious. I grew up watching the sitcom and still relate it to my life today, more so than ever.

Here are five lessons I have learned from growing up watching Friends.

1. It's okay to not know what you're doing all the time.

It is okay to not know what you are going to do or have a plan for every moment in your life. Your first job, plan, or life goal is probably not going to be what you want forever. Your friends and family will support you through the good times and the bad. Sometimes we hit a low point, whether that means out of a job or just struggling to make ends meet, and your friends will be the ones there to help you out. The real world is hard-- especially when you are juggling a million things. It is important for young adults to know that their dream job probably won’t happen right away and that they will have to ride the struggle bus a few times before getting off where they are meant to be.

2. Embrace your silliness!

It is okay to be yourself and take time to have fun. Life can be stressful with school, bills, work, etc., but it is important that you let loose every once in a while. Laughter is the best medicine and can cure all types of stress. It clears your mind and lightens your soul. You shouldn’t care what others think of you, as long as you are happy. You do not have to live by the book and will not be good at everything, but you have to put yourself out there and have some fun. Remember to make time to laugh a little each day and before you know it, your mood will be turned around all together and you will be better prepared to tackle the rest of the day.

3. Friends can be closer than family.

The cheesy saying is true-- you can’t choose your family, but you can choose your friends. Surround yourself with the people that will always support you and who want to better you. Be with people that want to see you grow and continue to climb the ladder of success. Yes, you can still spend time with your family, but sometimes nothing beats the bonds made by friends. Just because they are not blood doesn’t mean they won’t be your shoulder to cry on or someone to spend the holiday with.

4. Relationships are hard.

Relationships take work and sometimes they still do not work out, but sometimes they do. You have to be prepared to take risks and make compromises. It is important that you are honest and have open communication between you and your partner. If you are unhappy in a relationship, maybe it is a sign that it is not the right person or just not the right time. Falling in love is not easy, and you cannot expect it to be perfect all the time. But when you find that one person, you will know it is the one. Keep an open mind, and don’t give up very easily.

5. Not everything will work out the first time.

Don’t give up! Life is not easy as we have seen with the last four tips, but you can do it. Friends may be just a television show, but it left a big print in my life because it taught me so many things. They didn’t sugar coat the hardships, but turned them into a comedy to show you that it will be alright in the end. You will make it through, and your friends will be there throughout the process. Just keep your head high and watch some Friends.