February 14, 2020, by UoN School of English
Life-lessons from F.R.I.E.N.D.S.
Still one of the most watched TV shows, ‘Friends’ has somehow remained relevant. It’s popularity among younger audiences is undeniable, and has become a go-to when it comes to binge-watching a comfort programme. It is one that our generation has grown up with and makes us nostalgic for a time before us.
I have recently been re-watching ‘Friend’s, and from the many times that I have watched the show, I feel that it has taught me a few things that I consider to be important in life.
1. Value your friends
From the title of the show, it is clear that the main focus is on this group of friends that we all know and love. For ten seasons, we follow the ups and downs of this group, experiencing their hardships and joys with them.
Through these characters, we are reminded to truly value the friends who will be there for us. It serves as a reminder to cultivate our relationships and keep an open mind as to who could be that friend for you.
2. Don’t always rely on technology
Part of the appeal of the show to our generation is that it is set in the 90s, a time before social media, and people used pagers to communicate. It is all too easy for us to get caught up in the immediacy of modern-day communication. Try ditching the technology and go out for a coffee!
3. Don’t sweat the small stuff
In any given episode of the show, you will find at least one issue or one mistake for the characters to stress over. However, the beauty of the show is that we watch from the perspective of knowing that it will all work itself out.
Try injecting some of that optimism into your own life and remind yourself that we don’t always have to take life so seriously.
4. Take risks
When it comes to trying new things, or meeting new people, we should all be more open-minded. Throughout the show, we see these characters struggle and support each other as they quite jobs and ask strangers for their number. Sometimes they turned into budding relationships, and sometimes they were rejected.
But through all of their embarrassing, or even upsetting moments, they were able to rely on each other. Sometimes all we need is a little nudge to overcome our initial fears.
So why not try putting away your phone the next time you’re with a friend, or laugh at your next mistake. Ask out your crush, and cultivate those friendships with the ones who will be ‘there for you’!
Nina Shasha is an English student at the University of Nottingham.
Photo credits: Glenn Carstens-Peters, Priscilla du Preez and Thought Catalog
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