Chandler Bing, arguably the funniest and greatest character in the '90s sitcom "Friends," is more relatable to college students than we originally thought.
1. He relates to our social anxiety.
We all face the problem of having to go somewhere with our friends where we know no one at all. However, when our friend mentions that free food will be there, we are all set to go. However, this food does not eliminate the awkwardness that comes along with going somewhere unfamiliar. Chandler also struggles with having to go to a new place, meet people, and struggle to make conversation with others - but he just ends up cracking some forced, awkward jokes to make it bearable.
2. He struggles with the single life.
We and he -- alone and single -- constantly third wheeling (or fifth wheeling). It's awesome that your friends are happy with their new significant other, however, instead of cuddling on a Thursday night, a chicken burrito bowl with guac (yes, we know it's extra) and "Grey's Anatomy" on Netflix keeps us company.
3. He understands the college eating life.
If college kids are known for one thing besides partying, it is for how broke they are (since college costs more than we could even imagine, and the internships we take rarely pay us.) Being broke for these four years means our diet is full of the cheapest things available -- ramen noodles. Like Chandler, we find ourselves wishing we were not eating bland noodles out of the Styrofoam cup while sitting in an office lounge doing the same thing every day.
4. He understood the time requirement of Tinder.
With casual hookups now being an integral part of the college social scene, it only makes sense that Tinder has begun to take up more and more of our time. It starts with a simple swipe to the right and that could initiate an hour(s) of well thought out pickup lines and conversations. Although, this may ultimately not lead to anything, Chandler also has demonstrated talking to some hottie that you have not met and may never meet!
5. He understands the struggle of falling for someone you shouldn't.
There's always that one guy or girl that we tell ourselves that we will never have feelings for. Maybe it's our best friend, our best friend's ex, the bad boy on campus, or someone else.You know that that relationship would be toxic- -- so you suck up your feelings and just deal with the fact that you two can never be together. Bing also relates in the fact that sometimes you just have to suck up the feelings for your soul mate and never let him or her know.
6. He understands the love of eating.
The "College 15" easily turns into the "College 35" with unlimited meal plans that colleges are starting to include. With options from the chicken bake to the delicious Mojo cookies found at Michigan's dining halls, a trip to the gym is more than necessary. However, like Chandler Bing, we tell ourselves that we need to keep eating because if we don't, we will regret it later that night while we are laying in our dorm bed that night.
7. He has learned ways of sleeping unconventionally.
With classes lasting from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m or 7 in the evening, our days become long and our sleep schedule becomes erratic. In order to help catch up on our sleep, we have found unconventional places to sleep in, such as the hallway in between classes or taking a cat-nap in the Ugly while cramming for the Psych 250 exam. Chandler, being bored by his friends, also has learned that he can sleep with his eyes open in order to avoid paying attention to what is going on around him.
Here's to you, Bing.
