6 Real-life adulting lessons we learned from F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

I was introduced to F.R.I.E.N.D.S by a roommate of mine back in 2017. I wasn’t really enjoying the first few episodes and wanted to give up. But, my roommate encouraged me to watch further and wait for the magic to happen. Fast forward to 2020, I’m a crazy F.R.I.E.N.D.S fan!! Since 2017, I have watched friends like a gazillion times and I realized that its not an ordinary sitcom show just made to make us laugh! I think its much more than that. Apart from making us laugh harder than ever, F.R.I.E.N.D.S also taught us astounding real-life adulting lessons throughout 10 seasons. 

Here is a list of 6 Real-life adulting lessons we learned from F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

1. Changes seem scary at first, But you will be okay.

I remember my first day when I moved into a new city, And I couldn’t help but think about the pilot episode where Rachel is shown searching for Monica in the central perk, It was overwhelming. Rachel is probably the only character in the show to have undergone a huge transition during the 10 seasons. From a rich spoilt girl to a mature mother of a baby girl, Rachel has come a long way. Perhaps, adapting to changes quickly is what contributed to her transition. Just when she thought she has finally settled in, Monica decides to move in with chandler and when she says “its the end of an era”, it felt like heartbreak. Rachel keeps switching her apartments and her jobs and gracefully accepts all the curveballs life’s throw at her. The one adulting lesson I learned from Rachel is to stay calm during life’s massive changes, Although it seems scary at first, it will eventually be okay.

2. emergency fund is mandatory.

Most people in twenties stay broke at one point or the other and live paycheck to paycheck. F.R.I.E.N.D.S show taught us the significance of saving money and making better financial decisions. In episode 16-S9 where Monica is seen discussing the shortage of money with chandler, It was quite relatable. It was also a bad money decision when Monica buys expensive shoes and ends up not liking it. Throughout the 10 seasons, each character is shown having money related problems. You’ll never know when an emergency will strike, So it’s important to save up for a rainy day. Build an emergency fund.

3. It is never too late to follow your passion.

In the F.R.I.E.N.D.S show, We see that it’s never too late to go after what you love doing. First, Rachel quits her waitressing job at central perk and finally decides to take the plunge and chase her passion in fashion. Chandler, on the other hand, doesn’t love his “statistical analysis and data reconfiguration” job and instead decides to explore the new career options for himself. He quickly resolves that he wants to pursue a career in advertising, even though it meant to start from the bottom. Joey is shown struggling with money throughout the show, but he doesn’t give up on his acting career. No matter how old you are, it is never too late to follow your passion. Life is too short to waste time doing things you don’t love. 

4. Things won’t go as you planned, But you will figure it out along the way.

For the longest time in my life, I have been making plans for the future but they somehow end up not happening. In the F.R.I.E.N.D.S show too, Neither of anyone’s plans worked out exactly as they thought they would. Rachel never thought she would not end up marrying Barry and live in new york with her high school best friend Monica and have a baby girl with Ross. Monica, even in her wildest dreams never imagined falling in love with chandler. Who knew Pheobe would choose Mike over David? Life is unpredictable and it is beautiful that way. Life’s amazing moments are experienced when they are not planned. No matter how well you plan, Life will find its way to mess things up.

5. Rejection should not be seen as an obstacle.

I have always been hard on myself when I faced rejections in love and work. But, Rejections can sometimes be good, They make us push our limits and work harder. Not letting rejections define you is what I learned from Joey and Monica in the show. Joey wants to be a famous actor but faces a series of rejections in auditions. Although he doesn’t let that come in the way of his dream. He strives to pursue his passion for acting and decides not to let rejections be an obstacle in his career path. Monica also handles some rejections along the way, When her restaurant is not given a good review, instead of accepting it she goes on to prove her talent in cooking to the reviewer. Rejection when dealing with the right mindset may prove to be the stepping stones to what you might become next.

6. Never let the inner child in you die

Adulting is hard. Both in reel and real life. As we grow older, We seem to lose that innocence and playfulness we had in our childhood. In the F.R.I.E.N.D.S sitcom, We are shown that all the six characters enjoy their time during hangouts, During Christmas and thanksgivings. We see them play football for the silliest thing-The Geller cup. We see them playing quiz and bet their apartments! We see them doing all kinds of crazy things. Never lose your playful side as you are transitioning into adulthood. Child-like innocence and fun should always be a part of life.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin