5 Controversial Moments From Friends That Would Instantly Ruin Any Real-Life Friendship
The fact that they all kissed would not hold up in any normal friendship.
As we revisit the beloved show, it's clear that some of its moments and storylines haven't aged well and could be highly problematic if they happened in real-life friendships.
Here are 5 controversial moments from Friends that, if repeated in reality, could instantly strain or even ruin any group of friends.
Ross & Rachel's On And Offs
Ross and Rachel's roller coaster of a relationship has been a central storyline throughout the entire series. While their romantic ups and downs provide much of the show's drama and humor, their constant break-ups and make-ups can be emotionally draining and detrimental to their friends.
With Monica being both Ross' sister and Rachel's best friend, with them constantly hanging out together and seeing each other with different partners — in reality, this level of instability and constant heat would likely strain the bonds of the entire group of friends.
Them Constantly Fat-Shaming Monica
Despite the years that have passed and her subsequent transformation, friends often use Monica's weight in her younger years as a source of humor. Fat-shaming, or making fun of someone's appearance, especially their weight, is offensive and hurtful in real life.
Even if the joke was meant to be brief, it took time to stick around the group, and instead of a small crack, it turned into a constant toxicity. Friends are supposed to support and uplift each other, not engage in hurtful teasing or body shaming.
Rachel Stealing Monica’s Date
In The One After the Superbowl, Part 2, Rachel takes Monica's chance to go out with Jean-Claude Van Damme, but later, in an argument, she lets Monica go out with him. However, Rachel lies to Van Damme about Monica's intentions to make her look bad in his eyes.
In real-life friendships, knowingly going after your best friend's romantic interest and deliberately putting her in a bad light would irreparably damage the friendship.
Chandler Kissing Joey’s Girlfriend
In Season 4, because of a strong attraction, Chandler kisses Joey's girlfriend, Kathy, while she is still going out with Joe. This caused a rift between the two friends, with Joey considering moving out, but after a few hilarious moments, they reconciled, and Kathy decided not to date Chandler in order to protect the boys ' friendship.
Betraying a friend's trust with such behavior is a serious breach of friendship etiquette, which in reality could lead to deep resentment and possibly the end of the once strong bromance.
Rachel Ruining Monica’s Engagement Party
Rachel, feeling lonely due to her single status, kisses Ross, her on-again, off-again love interest, on one of Monica's most important days. This selfish act causes tension as Monica believes Rachel has stolen her engagement spotlight and confronts her about it.
However, when Rachel opens up to Monica and admits her deep-seated sadness about not being close to getting married herself, Monica forgives her. The friend who makes every situation about her would literally disappear from our lives if we were in Monica's shoes.