Sitcom “FRIENDS” has many life lessons for us to learn from

Kayla Wolf, Staff Writer

With the renewed popularity of the lovable ‘90s sitcom “FRIENDS,” it is apparent, even though a lot in the world has changed, this TV show still offers many valuable life lessons. Whether it be sharing words of wisdom or allowing yourself a few extra laughs in everyday life, both themes are as relevant today as they were during that PIVOTal time.

Even though Phoebe lacked talent as a lyricist, the words to her songs always expressed her true feelings. Her lyrics were often rated PG-13, but they were brutally honest about life. When she sang for a group of young children, the lyrics of her songs focused on a range of inappropriate topics for that age group. Later, they requested more of her songs because, to them, she was “the lady who tells the truth,” reminding her friends that honesty is the best policy.

Rachel became a hard worker who strived to achieve her goals. After she first became financially independent from her father, she got a job waitressing at Central Perk, the same coffee shop her friends would frequent. Although she lacked talent at what she did, her aspiration to work in the fashion industry gave her something to work toward. When opportunity finally knocked on her door, she proved herself to her colleagues, showing viewers that hard work and diligence will bring you great success in life.

Without meaning to, Joey brought humor into everyday situations through his own naive view of the world, as the only two subjects he knew about were dating and food. When Phoebe tried to help him learn basic French for a movie audition, what should have been “je m’appelle Claude” came out as “je de floop flee.” Also, after the apartment manager said unkind words to Rachel and threatens to evict both her and Monica, Joey becomes a protective big brother. After confronting the “bully,” he ends up giving him free dance lessons to help him out, as well. Despite Joey’s many comic actions, the reasons all stemmed from loyalty to his friends.

After 236 episodes, these are merely a few ways the characters on “FRIENDS”  displayed a word to the wise and the importance of not taking life too seriously. Whether it be the 1990s or 2019, we can still learn a lot from our “FRIENDS.”