I grew up watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S – I was fourteen when the last episode aired, and we still have it on VHS. I remember that my mum recorded it because we simply couldn’t believe that it was all going to be over. Little did we know that thanks to video streaming technology, our future selves would have all the seasons at our fingertips – no ads. What a concept!
As a child I thought F.R.I.E.N.D.S was hilarious, even if I didn’t understand all the jokes. As an adult, it’s become somewhat of a security blanket. It’s what I turn to when I’m sad, stressed, when I can’t sleep or when I just don’t know what else to do. It’s perfect escapism and it never fails to put a smile on my face.
F.R.I.E.N.D.S is not an ordinary show. It transcends time. I know each episode off-by-heart and the jokes are still as funny as the first time I heard them. One of the most magical things about F.R.I.E.N.D.S is that with each stage of my life I’ve taken something new away from it. Watching it as a kid, a teen, a twenty-something trying to figure out life and now, as an almost-thirty mother of two, there is something to be learnt no matter who you are or where you’re at in life.
Below are the nine things I’ve learned from watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S (so far).
1. Don’t be afraid to be yourself.
Ever since I was a little kid, I didn’t quite fit the mould. I made up fantasy worlds, stared into space and talked to myself (in varying accents) more than what was viewed as normal through the eyes of society. Some of those habits have stuck with me through my journey into adulthood but I have fully embraced my weird side and a big part of that is due to F.R.I.E.N.D.S. You only get one shot at this thing called life and it’s far too short to spend it altering yourself to fit the needs of others or pretending to be someone you’re not.
2. Not everyone will like you.
I have found myself in situations where people were just plain cruel to me and I couldn’t figure out why. Sometimes people are insecure and find it easier to pick on others. And sometimes, people just won’t like you. Both are a part of life but as long as you stay true to yourself and surround yourself with good people, you’ll be fine.
3. If a jellyfish stings you, pee on it.
Pretty self-explanatory. I am at a place in my life where I know I have at least three friends that would gladly pee on me if the situation called for it. I’m so lucky.
4. Changing your appearance can go horribly wrong, so think twice.
I learned this the hard way with bad haircuts and eyebrow plucking disasters but thanks to F.R.I.E.N.D.S I can cross fake tan and teeth whitening off my list.
5. The Moist-Maker
A gravy-soaked piece of bread in the middle of a turkey sandwich. Greatest. Invention. Ever.
And speaking of the moist-maker…
6. It’s okay to be possessive with food.
I’m a mum to a toddler – eating something delicious without sharing takes careful planning and tact. I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve stashed candy behind cans of soup. Or that I’ve eaten chocolate while hiding behind the pantry door. Or that I cried when said toddler threw a piece of pizza on the floor.
7. It’s totally fine to make mistakes.
Whether you married a lesbian, fell in love with a gay ice dancer, said the wrong name on your wedding day or thought ‘transponster’ was a word – it’s fine. You will make mistakes; you will learn from them and you will survive.
8. How to swear without swearing.
For when you can’t say what you really want to say.
9. Friends are family.
Everyone is born into a family and it’s a special thing. But to me, what’s really special is that as you get older you get to choose your own family. My friends and I are really close, and I can’t wait to share this crazy life with them and all the milestones that come with it.