Joey Tribbiani was the definition of a sweetheart who captured the hearts of America and beyond throughout all ten seasons of Friends. There were so many occasions in which he was easily the most relatable member of the cast, and as a result, we wanted to highlight a few of those moments.
In addition, we also want to shine a light on the one and only Rachel Green. Alongside Joey, she was the sort of character that just resonated so easily with such a large portion of the audience. They’re both iconic, and we’re about to run through a few of the reasons why.
JOEY - Blowing His Money
In Season 2, Joey decides to take a leap of faith and move out of his apartment with Chandler in favor of a fancy new apartment uptown. However, when things start to go south for him at work, he can no longer afford the place or, at the very least, all of the luxury items he wound up purchasing.
We’ve all been in a situation where we spent a little bit too much money after payday and immediately regretted it, to the point where we had to reluctantly take items back to the store.
RACHEL - Pretending To Smoke
Nobody enjoys having to do something they don’t want to do in order to fit in, but that’s precisely the situation Rachel found herself in upon starting at Ralph Lauren.
With her boss and direct competitor both going out for a cigarette, Rachel had to swallow her pride and smoke right alongside them. It was evident that she wasn’t a natural smoker whatsoever, and it was also clear to see that she was being somewhat peer pressured.
In any walk of life, most people have been put in the same ‘sink or swim’ kind of setting, and it isn’t pleasant.
JOEY - Learning French
Towards the end of Friends’ ten-year run, Joey needed to try and learn French for a role. Unfortunately, when he got Phoebe to help him out with the process, it quickly became clear to her that he had absolutely no idea what he was doing.
Many of us have tried to learn a skill or start a certain hobby, all the while thinking that we’re amazing at it. Alas, eventually, someone close to you has to drop that glass-shattering moment on your head, forcing you to face an uncomfortable reality.
RACHEL - Central Perk Struggles
Rachel’s decision to walk away from her credit cards in search of financial independence was praised by fans and the main characters alike, but as she began her first real ‘job’ as a waitress at Central Perk, she soon realized it wasn’t quite as easy as she first thought.
Her first official paycheck didn’t really live up to expectations, and it goes without saying that we’ve all had to endure jobs which may not have paid much, but still managed to just about pay the bills – even if it meant going a week without food.
JOEY - Furniture Comment
One theme that runs through the heart of Friends is Joey’s love and admiration of watching television, which he does quite often.
So then, when he discovers that a fan of Ross’ work doesn’t actually own a TV, it prompts him to say: “You don’t own a TV? What’s all your furniture pointed at?”.
Even though a lot of folks like to think they don’t spend too much time in front of a television screen every evening, very few people actually know what it’s like to live without one in their homes.
RACHEL - The Ross Realization
After a whole season of Ross lusting after Rachel but not being able to summon up the courage to tell her how he feels, Rachel eventually finds out about his feelings for her courtesy of Chandler letting it slip. Unfortunately, when she attempts to tell him how she feels in return, Ross returns from China with a new girlfriend.
We’ve all felt like our heart has been ripped out before, and the look on Rachel’s face when she sees Ross walk back into the airport really does say it all.
JOEY - Selling Perfume
At one stage in the show’s run, Joey is forced to dress up like a cowboy and sell men’s perfume at a clothing store in an attempt to make a little bit of extra cash.
In the same vein as Rachel’s job at Central Perk, everyone is required to take on some work that, in another life, they never would’ve even considered doing.
Making a fool of yourself isn’t a pleasant feeling to have, but when push comes to shove, we all have to do things that we don’t want to do.
RACHEL - Messing Up The Trifle
While Joey may have enjoyed Rachel’s traditional English trifle, the same can’t be said for the rest of the Friends main cast, who figured out that she cooked half of an English trifle and half of a shepherd’s pie.
If you’ve ever wanted to get into cooking but have been too afraid to do so, before eventually messing up one of your first meals and putting yourself off of the idea, then you’ll be able to feel Rachel’s pain.
A lot of people assume that cooking is just part of everyday life, and while that may be true, that doesn’t make it easy.
JOEY - Fake Shock
The false ‘shock’ that is shown by Phoebe and Joey when Ross informs them that he slept with Rachel is entertaining, and the same can be said for when they ‘find out’ she is also pregnant.
Friendship groups have a tendency to let things slip that they shouldn’t or put on an Academy Award-worthy performance in order to stop someone from finding out the truth. The real question lies in whether or not you’re able to get away with it.
Either way, one pretty common theme in the show always seems to be that Joey can’t lie, and that’s a fairly common trait.
RACHEL - The Crisis At 30
Rachel’s 30th birthday isn’t a moment that she was looking forward to, and when it all plays out, she quickly realizes that she needs to make a series of changes in her life.
Turning 30 is certainly not the end of the world, but saying goodbye to the chaos and fun that your 20s hold can be a really difficult thing to do and a hard moment to process. We should all look head to aging with some kind of optimism, but the sense of the unknown is also slightly frightening.
