It's OK to admit that The Office's Jim Halpert and Pam Beesly give unrealistic relationship goals that, even years after the show's finale, you still can't capture. So because I care about you, and because I care about how pop culture brutally warps our romantic expectations, I plucked some (quasi-realistic) relationship advise from The Office's golden couple.
1. The Couple that Plays Together Stays Together
Well, long before they became a true couple, Jim and Pam would brainstorm pranks to pull on Dwight to pass the time. That is an A+ way to bond with someone, and it's something that kept them together (and decidedly amused) throughout the course of the show — even when Jim was taking a short detour through Karen town (the worst).
2. Have a Signature Gesture
The air high five.
3. Find Opportune Moments to Share Your Feelings
You could argue that Jim's confession in "Casino Night" was ill-timed and most certainly delayed. Yes, he could've picked a better time than right before Pam's wedding, but he could've picked a worse time like right after Pam's wedding. Or you know, not at all. In any case, even though it's another season or so before they get together, Jim's confession is enough to give Pam pause and call off her engagement to Roy. So you know, don't put off things too long.
4. Support Each Other's Dreams
This is within reason, because everyone has a breaking point. Once one person's dream eclipses the other person entirely, it gets murky, and this was largely what drove Jim and Pam apart. But in happier times, it was very sweet that Jim encouraged Pam to study graphic design at Pratt Institute. The two did their best to make long distance work, and he was even willing to wait another three months so she could come back "the right way." In the end, though, Pam wasn't big on graphic design, and PB&J was reunited.
5. Don't Feel Bad From Escaping Your Family and Friends
If Jim and Pam had originally eloped like they were planning to in "Cafe Disco" I would've been piiiiiissed. But I do think that amongst all the craziness during their wedding, the Niagara Falls elopement was really something special. Being in a relationship doesn't mean you need to shut out all of your loved ones out of your lives, but there's nothing wrong with catching a snapshot moment that's all your own.
6. When They are Feeling Helpless, Help
I don't mean drag yourself into a mutual crippling depression or anything. I'm just saying, Pam ripped her veil, Jim cut his tie. And if your love is hurting, you want to find an adorable way like that to pick them up and remind them you're in this together.
7. Never Forget Why you Fell in Love with Each Other
Thanks to the joys of an often-documented digital world, you probably have many reminders of relationships laying around on your laptop. But guess what, none of them will compare to Jim's compilation of PB&J moments, a video that could bring even the coldest cynic to tears.
When the going gets tough, take a cue from Jim and Pam and remind yourself... and your love... that they are everything to you.
