FRIENDS IS ON NETFLIX. FRIENDS IS ON NETFLIX.

If you didn’t know already, Friends, probably one of the most popular 90’s sitcoms landed on Netflix on the first day of 2018, which fans of the show, including me, rejoiced over this news.

I’ve probably watched every episode of Friends 100 times, but it doesn’t stop me from streaming the whole series all over again on Netflix.

It’s the perfect series to binge watch, to have on in the background when doing other things and it makes you laugh, cry and cry with laughter all over again no matter how many times you watch it.

Unlike normal, it’s been great to watch the entire series from start to finish. Usually, I’ve watched the odd episode here and there on Comedy Central, so it’s been a long time since I watched the series from the very start.

So thanks, Netflix, for giving me another reason to get extremely distracted over the weekends!

I’ve watched Friends ever since I could remember. I remember watching the last episode, not really knowing what Friends was at the time, as I was only 10 when the last episode aired back in 2004.

But as I’m now in my early twenties, I feel like I have a new-found appreciation for Friends. Because I realise I relate to each character so much. 

The series starts when each of the Friends characters are in their early twenties, figuring out life, work and careers, dating life and all the funny scenarios and scandals that happen to each character along the way. It’s very familiar to normal life and I think every 20 something can relate.

Although I’ve never been married, divorced or found out my partner is gay, certain scenarios are relatable and Friends has always been able to give the comic relief I’ve needed whenever I’ve been down in the dumps, or felt like my life isn’t moving forward.

I think even when I’m 50 something, I will still be watching Friends and laughing at the same jokes over and over again.

I’m only 23, but already, Friends has given me some valuable life lessons that I have taken on and can carry on to do so as I explore the rest of my twenties. Here are just some:

Life lessons Friends has taught me in my early twenties

It’s okay not to have your life completely together and to not have a plan

I don’t even have a pla like Phoebe.

Your friends will always come first and be there for you, no matter how many boyfriends come and go

So don’t ditch them for your other half. Your friends will be the one’s that you can fall back on when things go wrong.

It’s okay to change career paths

Chandler did many times throughout the ten seasons. And he didn’t want to be stuck in a dead-end job, so he took the plunge and went down a completely different career path in advertising.

Always think before you speak. It can sometimes get you into awkward or bad situations

Something even at 23, I’ve still not completely grasped. But it’s okay.

Never cheat. Even if you were ‘on a break’.

I’m with you Rachel, it doesn’t count!

If something is meant to be. It will be

Something I very much believe. Ross and Rachel had their fair share of breaking up and getting back together, but in the end, they were meant to be.

I mean, if they didn’t end up together at the end of the series, I don’t know what we would all do.

If you work hard and you’re confident, you can achieve anything

Rachel started as this snobby, spoilt waitress who had no clue what she was doing, whilst living off her Dad’s money. Throughout the seasons, we see her grow in the fashion industry and become an Executive at Ralph Lauren! She was determined to make a life for herself, work hard and get a job she had no previous experience in.

Sometimes after many failed dating attempts, you will find your lobster

Throughout the seasons, all the characters had their fair share of failed dating attempts and relationships. But in the end, all of them find their happiness. Monica and Chandler, Phoebe and Mike, Rachel and Ross, and even Joey and the chicken and duck.

Stick to your beliefs, no matter how many times people persuade you otherwise

Phoebe didn’t believe in evolution, animal fur and she believed in Santa Clause. Despite her friends trying to persuade her to otherwise believe in something else or disbelief in her current beliefs, she stuck to her guns. Good for you, Pheebs!

Be proud of your body

Joey was proud of being curvy, and so am I!

I mean, he loves chocolate cake and so do I.

Just because you’re close as friends, doesn’t mean you should date them

A situation I know all too well. Being best friends with someone of the opposite sex doesn’t mean you’d be perfect for each other. It might work for some couples, but for others, it’s best to just stay as friends.

It might have worked for Monica and Chandler, but it definitely didn’t work out for Rachel and Joey.

I think we would have all gone into meltdown if Rachel and Joey ended up together at the end of Season 10.

It’s never too late to grow up

Just because everyone else in their early twenties is getting engaged. moving houses, getting good jobs, getting married and having kids, doesn’t mean you have to.

All of the Friends didn’t have all that way into their 30’s. You’ve still got time!

Another lessons Friends taught us: no matter how much you grow up, it’s okay to still be a child sometimes!

Always be the weird self that you are

Don’t try to be something you’re not. People will love you for who you are.

Let your freak flag fly, just like Phoebe.

Life can sometimes suck, but your friends will see you through it

Through all the breakups, divorces, marriages and everything else, your friends will be there for you. They will understand your troubles and love you despite of them, they won’t judge you, they’ll miss you when you go and they’ll always be there for you.

They might take the mick out of you and have a joke at you like Chandler does frequently, but they mean it in good faith.

And lastly, no matter how many times the Friends theme tune plays, you have to always clap at the clapping part

Fact.

I can’t wait to binge watch the rest of the seasons. It’s definitely given me something light and easy to watch over the weekend’s and after work.

Who loves Friends as much as I do!? What’s your favourite episode?