The beloved comedy sitcom “FRIENDS” first aired in September 1994, lasting 10 seasons and ending in 2004. More than 10 years later, it’s still warming our hearts and making us laugh until we cry.

The show and “the couch” have withstood the test of time, becoming a classic.

Not only does the purple window at Monica’s door and the setting at coffee house Central Perk incite a sense of nostalgia, but the characters have really come to feel like home for the fans.

Ross, Rachel, Phoebe, Joey, Monica and Chandler have been able to inspire a few life lessons along the way.

Whether you were a Chandler or a Rachel, there was someone you could identify with. There were storylines that had you cracking up and ones that had you tearing up – but either way, you were glued to the screen.

Let’s see what lesson each character of FRIENDS has to offer us (careful, spoilers ahead)

1. Don’t be afraid to take a risk

As well as proving true love does exist, if Rachel getting off the plane to Paris to be with Ross taught us anything, it’s that taking a risk – for love, a job, yourself – is worth doing. It will teach you to live in the moment and not look back. And who wants to be predictable all the time, anyway?

2. Everyone has different opinions about things – and that’s fine

Consider this piece of wisdom from Joey Tribbiani: “It’s a moo point. It’s like a cow’s opinion. It just doesn’t matter. It’s moo.” While many of us like to consider ourselves fairly confident people, there’s no doubt that we all value other people’s opinions way more than we should. Like when Ross just couldn’t accept that Phoebe didn’t believe in evolution.

Everyone is going to have an opinion about everything, it would be positively dull if everyone had the same opinion about everything. However, you should know when to just agree to disagree – some things just aren’t worth getting all worked up about. Sometimes, it’s a moo point.

3. Dance, run and do whatever you love like no one is watching

Remember the episode when Phoebe runs like crazy in the park? How free-spirited is she?

Here is an important lesson to learn from her – do what pleases you and do not care a damn about society. The world anyways will talk, you just do what you feel is right. Phoebe did everything as a free spirit – had her brother’s triplets, sang unusual songs at the Café (remember “Smelly Cat”?) and held her head high always.

4. Keep it Real!

Ross is very misunderstood. Coming off as sad and judgmental, Ross is the one that keeps it real. When Phoebe thought her mother was reincarnated into a cat, he was the one who had to step up and say something. A lover of science, Ross is very learned and it comes through in his sarcasm. And oh! He definitely taught us the difference between your and you’re and UNAGI.

5. Always Stay Motivated

Monica, the mother hen of the group, doesn’t shy away from leading the group and taking responsibility for tasks. Someone has to do it and leadership skills take you a long way.

She has her quirks, and she’ll be the first to admit it. She likes her furniture arranged a certain way. She has 11 different categories for towels. You can’t eat in bed. She embraces all of these things about herself, and you should embrace your quirks too.

Perfectionist Monica taught us to take up a job that we love instead of doing something which we detest.

Pursuing your dream can get tough. You might have to do something you don’t like. Monica knew from very early on that she wanted to be a chef and open her own restaurant someday. In the bargain, she wore costumes and skates and danced and waitressed at diners. But ultimately, she was the head chef at her own restaurant.

6. There’s Always a Bright Side 

We all know that Chandler is emotionally unavailable and therefore turns to humor and quick wit to escape emotion. (I think a lot of us are with you there, Bing.) Chandler is easy to love because he is laid back and self-deprecates in such a way that you have to respect him.

Chandler reminds us that life isn’t all bad, and that sometimes you just gotta’ dance your feelings out; regardless of how silly you look. He taught us to never lose hope and find a person who will put a turkey on their head to say sorry and put a ring on it.

When times get tough, make a fort, watch TV in it and invite your friends over. Life is hard, but if you can find times to still be silly and act like a kid, 100% do it.

They are the spirit animals of big and small citizens alike, and their personality resembles many of us in this world. Whether serious or stupid, we can always count on them to yield the perfect piece of advice for most situations.

What are the life lessons you learned from FRIENDS? Do let us know in the comments section below!

If you liked this post, you may also like 4 Leadership Lessons From Captain America.

Written by

Studying bachelor’s in biotechnology, Aayushi is a really passionate person, who loves to read and travel. She believes people, places, and stories have the power to change anyone and help them understand the purpose of life.