How F.R.I.E.N.D.S Taught Us To Be Friends

people holding shoulders sitting on wall

“Hey, do you want to watch a movie?”
“Nah I’m too tired! I’ll probably go home & sleep”
“Yeah, sure! Like that is going to happen! I know you will go home & watch f.r.i.e.n.d.s all over again”
“Guilty as charged…but I love that show! We will hang out next weekend, promise!!”


Did it seem too familiar? Do you also go through the same crisis as which friends to actually choose? Do you wonder how do you manage a long-distance friendship? Well, all of us think about one or the other question because friends matter!
Right from the beginning, we look for people with the same mindset and with whom, we can be we! But when we do find such people, it often happens that we lose touch with them down the line. The reasons for this? Distance, no time, busy bee, and so on and so forth (or as Chandler would have said it-“Could there BE any more reasons?”). Despite our circumstances, there is a lot we can do to stay in touch with our friends
1. Phone-a-friend!

Staying connected through text is good and even Jenifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow and Courtney Cox have a group text chain. But nothing is better than a call from your friend just after a tiring day. So, whenever you feel it's been a while since you had a chat with your buddy, just call! Phone-a-friend is truly a lifeline.

2. Ditch what the world says! Your friend is your friend!

It often happens that when one person goes out, they meet new people and they try to put in their thoughts on your friendship with a person.... don't listen to them! People don't know the reason behind you being friendly with a person or why you are still friends with them and try to question your decision. But this should not affect your friendship. The best live example is of Matt Le Blanc.

Even though LeBlanc and Perry didn’t get invited to Aniston’s 2015 wedding to Justin Theroux, they didn’t seem to take it personally. In an interview LeBlanc said “I think they’re a great couple. I think she’s happy. And that’s all I care about is that Jen’s happy.” 

3. I miss you!

One day, I called one of my school friends & said to her that I miss her a lot and all the fun stuff we did in our school times. She just said "Ah! Those were the good times!" Now, the moments might not be created again but your friend is there! Don't miss them; Plan & meet up! If not possible then go for a digital meet up-where you dress up and so does your friend and both of you go out in your respective areas and have a good time together through technology! (Hello video calling apps!)

4. Gifts on special occasions

Do you remember when you used to celebrate your birthday at school and throw a party at your house? How your friends would bring you gifts! Don't stop that trend even if you are far! Keep gifting each other on special occasions and on normal days as well. After all, you need to look after your friend and not let them feel alone.

5. Stay together always!

No matter how long it has been and how far you are, try to stay connected to each other and be there when they need you and vice-versa. Look at the f.r.i.e.n.d.s cast! Monica (played by Courtney Cox) & Rachel (played by Jennifer Aniston) may not be roommates now but they are still friends. They are still seen hanging out together or meeting on an occasion and are occasionally accompanied by another f.r.i.e.n.d.s too!

6. Never lie!

People often forget that their old friends are like their soulmates (not bracelet buddies like Joey & Chandler!) and tend to lie to each other about their feelings. Why?? Your old friends are the first bond of trust you make and they may get mad on you for acting out differently but they will never misguide you.


So, this is usually how stories of friends getting distanced from each other go like. Once there was a group of friends who lived together & hung out all the time. Everything was good and with time, their friendship grew stronger & stronger. But in between, they faced some struggles. Some other friends came in and distracted them. Some got caught in a relationship because of which they couldn't give time to the friends and they forget the promise they made-"I'll be there for you!" Whenever you need me & wherever you need me. So, what did they do to get back their friends and friendship? Simple! They met again in their old hangout spot & talked about their problems. There was a lot of shouting and banging on the tables.... but in the end, they had a good time! There they decided that whatever happens, they will see each other for at least one day of a week-whether near (they could meet) or far (video call rocks!). These promises may not always be kept but the friendship remains the same. 


So, the sitcom may have given us an epic dose of laughter and fun but in
the reality, the cast has shown us how to pull off deepening friendships both on
screen and off the screen.

- Shruti Singh


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