The TV show Friends started before I left New York and ended when I’d been in Scotland for quite a long time. It was my constant in that period of transition, and others.
It eased some third-culture issues, and won me some friends with my Janice impression.
I’d sit and count the references to Long Island, when I missed it.
It saw me through the deaths of my grandparents, the dissolving of the family I came over here for, and it was how I first bonded with the family I chose.
Just like the show, with more quirky characters.
The character I most identified with was Phoebe, my favorite pair was Ross and Monica, and I thought I’d marry a Joey.
My actual friends and I would watch the show on Friday nights while eating pizza and avoiding University essays.
From thirteen to University was a long time.
I watched it while moving around (again), and coming home to different places (again).
I watched it after bad days and bad dates, when I missed my own friends and when I didn’t have any.
I didn’t see disabled people represented, but I watched it for other reasons. Connection, comfort, and continuity. And to find out what the hell Chandler did for a living.
And then I met my Lobster.
(The product links in this post are Amazon affiliate links, I make a small commission if you make a US or UK purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Read my disclosure here.)
When Neil and I moved in together, we combined our box sets and traded favorite shows, his Spaced, and Father Ted. My Friends (and Roseanne and Black Books, but that’s another post.)
I tried the Rachel Haircut (didn’t work) and traded my Phoebe silver for my platinum engagement ring and wedding band.
My hair is more like this. All the time.
I married a Chandler. That’s fabulous, because Chandler and Monica were the true romantic relationship of the show.
We still watch it, and are currently going through the series for the 386th time.
Neil counts Hugsy sightings like I count Long Island references.
During a particularly sad week recently we watched The One With The Football three times. It’s my favorite episode.
And I know I’m trying to rid of things, but I do collect things other than books.
Weird things like socks I don’t actually wear, train tickets, passport stamps.
Mugs and neuroses.
I collect things around my favorite movies and actors.
For instance, I own a Wizard of Oz Pez set, I Love Lucy coasters, and a The Princess Bride poster.
And so, let’s pretend we’re all Friends fans here.
And let’s say we added some Friends stuff to our nostalgic pop culture memorabilia collections with stuff like:
Monica’s door as a phone case cover
This Friends Monopoly game.
This groovy set of mugs
This Central Perk lined notebook
This coffee table book and Friends quiz book that would look great on the apothecary table.
(I’ve also read I’ll Be There For You. Read my short book review over here).
And I think this floor plan of Monica and Rachel’s apartment and Chandler and Joey’s apartment is so cool! Exclamation point intended.
We are a Lego family. And I really want this Lego Central Perk set. For myself.
I’d build it while watching Friends.
What’s your favorite episode of Friends? Check out where your favorite episode ranks here.
My other gift idea posts are gift ideas for writers and gift ideas for penguin lovers.
I’m writing this post with Friends bloopers on in the background.
And speaking of bloopers, I’ve started a Patreon along with this blog. One of the support levels includes a weekly video from me, and I’m calling it the Blog Blooper Reel.
This is a membership perk because video freaks me out, and I’d like to get over myself with your help!
Gin & Lemonade’s Patreon details are here. As ever thank you for reading and supporting my work!
Join the Gin & Lemonade newsletter!
Subscribe to get a roundup of posts and other groovy stuff every week!
23 Comments
I bought the Central Perk set when it came out. I had it marked on my calendar because I KNEW it would be a sellout. Within 12 hours, they had sold all they had on hand, so I had to get it back ordered. Within 8 more hours, they were no longer taking back orders. They assured me that it is not limited edition or anything, so it will be back in stock, and it is WORTH EVERY PENNY!
One day maybe we can sit down and watch Friends together. I usually run through it once a year. Now I have to run through it again for all the Hugsy Easter eggs!
I linked to the Lego set, but it went weird, so I’ve updated that one to a news article on it. And as a zoo person, what did you think of the Marcel storyline?
I’d love to watch Friends with you, Heather!
Hi Lorna. Great to see you back to our weekend get togethers. I miss your voice when you are away. I was never a fan of Friends, so it was interesting to see what in the show deserved your attention. Welcome back and thanks for the fun read.
Thanks, Gary. The blog is open all week.
Okay… So Friends became a ‘thing’ over here when I was at university. One of my housemates was obsessed… so we all got in on it, and never left!
I still watch it on Comedy Central, for the nostalgia and easiness of watching!
Friends, and Chandler and Monica helped us when we decided to start a family. I remember the episode where they were discussing starting a family, and Chandler wanted the time to be right… Like my Hubby Dearest at the time. That episode, where they realised that there was never really a ‘right’ time, you just had to go with the flow, and make it the right time, was what really spurred us on to start our own family!
Oh, Ritu! You sharing that story has literally made my day over here. Honestly. Much love to you and the fam. <3
When I watch that episode on the reruns, it brings a total tear to my eye! Friends rule!
what a fun read!
Yours, too. With you on the tequila.
To further our twinsies connection, I was just about to write a blog post about friends. Not Friends, because I didn’t actually watch Friends. (I was a commuter student when Friends was huge. Free time was at a premium, and usually spent doing homework. Or…commuting. It was 30 miles one way.) But this post makes me want to watch Friends. Let’s see if the kids will let me sit here long enough to bang something out…
Your last line is the question of the ages. Yes, please write the friends post, and mention that some of the best ones are ones we’ve yet to meet.
Friends truly is a happy encouraging series. I remember watching it with my very first boyfriend, in our little apartment. Always a good time. Good memories. Thanks for the coffee and the reminder 🙂
A very interesting share. Can’t say I really watched much Friends. I have no idea who ‘chandler’ is, or what he does for a living, either. Think I caught one or two episodes. However, I am a huge StarTrek fan. Annnd, I have the entire M*A*S*H 4077th series, complete with the original movie, and StarTrek the original series. I’ve recently gotten the entire Downton Abbey series, as well as all 8 Harry Potters. I grew up with MASH, though, watching it at the barber shop at the end of my paper route… just to rest for a few minutes before walking back up the hill to the other end of town where I lived. We all have our special shows that see us through the rough times, and give us an anchor amid the chaos… so glad that you have yours.
I never get tired of watching Friends 🙂
I remember how the Rachel Haircut in the 90’s was so popular! I started watching in high school and remember it was a highlight on a Wednesday night (that and Beverley Hills 90210 – the original series).
Friday nights have never been the same without Friends. I remember waiting for that finale like it was the end of an era. Although I couldn’t believe it would be.
I’ve met the Friends sofa, it was on a platform and I couldn’t sit on it, but my friends did. I’ll find the photo! I also have Monica hair when I don’t get the straighteners out, or when I do and it’s humid.
Believe it or not — even tho I’ve lived in New York for forty years (!) — I had never ever seen Friends. I’m not sure why not. But. I recently started watching it (right from the beginning; I just finished Season One) and I am hooked. There is something very reassuring about it. Even tho I am (now) much much older than any of the characters. I love it — and them.
I just completed watching Friends and your product ideas are AWESOME!!
A fun post. Lorna although I have never watched Friends…I think my daughter did or was that Sex in the City…Mmmm maybe I should give up now on trying to remember that…haha..It was a while ago in fact quite a few years ago…:) Reading the comments it does seem as if it was quite popular 🙂
I can’t even tell you how much I love friends. It has been a constant in my life for 25 years, seen me through all life has thrown my way and I can relate to each character.
Love this post!
YES to all of this. I married a Chandler too. You are right that age 13 up to college is a really long time. I came of age with these guys. Love it so much. This post is fantastic.
What a fun post!! I never watched friends but I kind of regret that now. Seems there are so many scenes that would still resonate and lord knows I’ve heard about all the episodes over the years. Also I had a roommate obsessed with it and totally remember Janice lol. I’m glad this show was there for you (see what I did there) for some of life’s transitions ❤️❤️❤️
Although I’ve watched many Friends episodes, I’ve never started Season 1, Episode 1 and watched all the way through. I need too! I love how shows and movies get us through certain times in our lives. I find deep truths within them, that are just for me it seems!
My 13 year old daughter came to me last year to see if I’d heard of this show on Netflix called “friends”. She’s watched all of the episodes! I thought that was funny since I grew up with Friends, too! Now it’s starting over with our kids!