5 love lessons to learn from 'Friends' characters

Relationships aren’t always perfect. Neither are romantic ones. And if there’s one show that embraced that chaos with honesty and humor, it’s ‘Friends’. Over the span of 10 seasons, the six friends have navigated through careers, breakups, bad dates, and also made some questionable life decisions, just like many of us! And that’s exactly what makes the show a perfect place to look for realistic love lessons. Whether you are dating someone, navigating a situationship, healing from heartbreak, or happily single, there’s something to take away from their journeys. Consider Central Perk and Monica Geller’s apartment couch as unofficial classrooms that dished valuable love and life lessons! Here are some you may want to hold on to!

Remember Ross screaming, “We were on a break!” from the top of his lungs? Yes, he was ‘technically right’, because, after the heated argument, Rachel did suggest they ‘take a break.’ Ross was hurt too, and insecure, so he slept with someone else. Over the years, Ross and Rachel and their friends argued about them being on a ‘break’. But the damage was done. Even though Ross is right, technically, it still reflects as betrayal. Something said in the heat of the moment doesn’t really count. In relationships, clarity matters.

If there is something that the six friends have taught us, it is the power of friendship. They all learned it over the course of time. Monica and Phoebe have fought over the guy who was in a coma. Rachel and Monica, too, have pursued Jean-Claude Van Damme. Chandler and Joey came to the verge of a split over Kathy. But in the end, none of those relationships really stuck; only the friendship did. So remember, sisters before misters.

You may not feel so, but yes, age does matter. Remember the time when Ross dated his student, Elizabeth? They were clearly from two different worlds. Ross was looking for stability, maturity, and emotional depth. Elizabeth, on the other hand, was still in college, still exploring and having her youthful experiences. We all know how that ended. Age, sometimes, is more than numbers. It is about lived experiences, what you want in life, at what stage of your life you are in, long-term goals, and more. Also, think about the time Monica dated Richard Burke. How the Gellers found out! Monica's dad recalls, 'Richard having a Twinkie in the city'. Richard and Monica seemed like a perfect couple in the beginning, but their goals weren’t aligned.

Ross is undoubtedly the poster child for not taking things too personally. His first wife turned out to be a lesbian. Sure, it hurt him; the marriage ended. Initially, he had his share of doubts about what really drove her to be a homosexual. But he understood that her sexuality had nothing to do with him. So, if someone rejects you, remember it isn’t because you are not worth it. It simply means that they are looking for something else, and you are not supposed to chase it. Not everything is about you, so don’t take it personally.

Who knew Monica would find a loving husband in Chandler Bing! That’s the beauty of true love. You will find it in places you least expect. In this case, Monica Geller said ‘I do’ to her best friend. They are indeed proof that what’s meant to be, will happen. Can you believe that Chandler Bing found his soulmate in Monica, after all the merry-go-round with Janice! OH. MY. GAWD! Chandler and Monica’s beautiful marriage tells us that love flourishes in the most unexpected places and with the most unexpected people!