I’ve been watching the show "Friends" since I can remember. Because it was just my mom and I while I was growing up, when we’d had a hard day, we would sit in bed and watch "Friends" while eating popcorn for dinner. This show has always been more than just a show for me. It is my safe place, what I watch when I am upset, or when the world is making me lose faith in people, or when I get overwhelmed with life.

Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Phoebe, and Joey have always been my older, somewhat wiser best friends who cheer me up and have taught me some surprisingly valuable lessons. Each one is so different from the others that I’ve been able to take something different from each one of them. These are the things I’ve learned from each "Friends" character.

Ross: don’t let heartbreak stop you from experiencing love

A big part of who Ross is is his intelligence and professionalism, but an even bigger part of his character is his ability to love. Ross’s many divorces become the subject of endless jokes throughout the series, but what should be recognized about these divorces is that Ross is never afraid to dive headfirst into love. Even after Carol cheats on him (with a woman), Ross continues to be open to new relationships and doesn’t hesitate to fall in love, even with the possibility that he might again end up alone and heartbroken.

Rachel: it’s OK if you don’t have everything figured out

When Rachel shows up in the first episode she has just impulsively left her husband-to-be at the altar because she no longer wants to marry him. She begins work at Central Perk, then goes to work in fashion at Fortunata Fashions then Bloomingdale’s, and then to Ralph Lauren. From job to job, Rachel has no real plan but ultimately ends up exactly where she wants to be. Although not everyone will get the show-engineered lucky breaks that Rachel gets, even when she is lost in life and working at the coffee house, she knows how to be happy with what she has and is okay with the thought of an unpredictable future.

Chandler: laughter is the best medicine

Everyone appreciates that one friend who is sensitive, or gives the best advice, or is a good shoulder to cry on but what about that friend that panics when you start crying so they crack an inappropriately timed joke? Sometimes that ill-timed joke can make you burst out in laughter instantly, letting you forget your troubles for the time being. As much as sweet, sensible advice is helpful, sometimes a humorous look at a seemingly desperate situation can change your whole point of view.

Joey: value your friendships

It’s no secret that Joey is a lady’s man, but the relationships he values most are those with his friends. He is never afraid to tell them how he feels about them or ask for favors knowing that his friends have his back just like he would do anything for them.

Monica: it’s okay to be intense, even if it intimidates others

Monica is probably the least laid-back character of the bunch. She is a somewhat high-strung neat freak who likes to be in control. But the thing to admire about her is that she never once apologizes for being who she is. She’s intense and high maintenance but she basically makes everyone in her life get used to it or get out because she is not going to dial it back for anyone.

Phoebe: never compromise your values

Phoebe is another character who isn’t afraid to be herself and her most amazing quality is her ability to look at things from a different perspective. Even if everyone thinks she’s wrong or crazy, she believes in her own viewpoint and values and will not let anyone make her question herself