Soo, we are in the final days of 2014! How exciting! But this is also very scary?! Where has this year gone? It is certainly true that with age the years go quicker. So with that Christmas chaos over, everyone is turning their thoughts to the new year. How are you going to celebrate it? Is 2015 going to be a new start for you? I have listed some new years resolutions for those of you struggling out there! Now, as everyone promises at the beginning of each year that they will stick by their resolution and by March they can't even remember what it was in the first place, this year I am actually going to abide by it! Remember its small steps that help you achieve your overall goal.
My new years resolution: Take more advantage of the opportunities presented to me in all aspects of life.
Here are five resolutions to think about:
1. Get Fit- probably the most popular new years resolution that almost everyone promises to themselves, and possibly the one most commonly broken! Getting fit is not just about hitting the gym for two hours a day, its the small things. If you can, choose to walk or cycle to work/ uni/ school, walking is one of the best ways to get fit. Replace toast for breakfast with muesli or porridge, both of which slowing release energy throughout the day. Don't snack past 9pm, a late night nibble is always tempting I know but try and hold off until the morning! Exercising can increase your serotonin levels by releasing endorphins which make you a generally happier person! Start slow with a walk/jog and then increase your milage or alternatively join the gym and build up your fitness level. Also, there are so many sports clubs out there go along, you never know you may love it!
2. Travel- This is really reliant on time and money, but if you can experience somewhere new! This isn't just about holidays either. I know in my head I'm desperate to go to New York as soon as I can, however I'm rather restricted in the financial department being a student, so I'm gonna start saving in the new year! However, even spending those Sundays with family or friends in different cities in the UK or at places you've always wanted to visit makes such as difference to your life in 2015, making you feel good about yourself for visiting somewhere new out of the monotonous routine.
3. Learn Something New- Now this may be the easiest and possibly cheapest resolution you can take on. Learning little things from baking different cakes, or knitting some socks to learning to play a new sport or gaining a qualification can make a difference to your life with that great feeling of achievement. Achieving something instigates that sense of pride, and its always nice to feel proud of yourself once in a while.
4. Be More Positive- With every problem, or everything that hasn't quite gone your way try and think of one positive outcome, even if it is to learn from your mistake. That way, those day to day things won't feel so bad, and you'll become more of a positive person.
5. Take Care of Yourself- Maybe once per week treat yourself to some 'me time'. If you have time, take a relaxing bath with some amazing smelling bubble bath, a bit of music, I recommend a bit of Norah Jones, its so relaxing! Take care of your skin by using moisturiser and cleansers and if you have ten minutes, a face mask does the world of good. You will notice a change in your skin, and this will help you build confidence, you will feel better about yourself and it is worthwhile!
So 2014 is coming to a close and its around this time we all begin to reflect on the year. There is currently a trend circulating on Facebook naming seven things you have done this year, so I thought I would share them on here first... here goes!
1. I kicked off my year with my 19th birthday (12th January) and went to see Les Mis on the West End. It was absolutely fantastic and I may have to say the best musical I have seen ever?
2. In March I visited one of my good friends at her uni in Cheltenham, unfortunately our other friend became very ill very rapidly, and no it was not due to alcohol! The weekend was spent caring for our mate, with a trip to hospital thrown in, whilst trying to avoid catching his illness. I spent a rather large section of the weekend on the phone to NHS direct, although it was all very hilarious constructing some sort of sleeping area in the corridor to avoid catching said illness which the doctors suggested was 'highly contagious'. Maybe 2015 will be my year to explore Cheltenham? (bar the hospital of course!)
3. I went punting in my university city of Oxford with a group of friends and luckily no one fell in! It is such a great way to see the city, and yes I did have a go although I was better at taking photos.
4. I passed my first year of university with a solid 2:1, kinda wish that year counted now...
5. I had the best cinematic experience of my life in May. On a whim, my mum and I went to see 'The Other Woman' in the directors lounge. With the choice of a drink from the bar and free popcorn, not to mention the sofa type loungers you sat on. Although I had already seen the film, it is so hilarious which obviously made the experience so much better! I recommend it for a treat.
6. I went on my first holiday abroad without my parents. In August I jetted off to Malia with a bunch of friends and no, its not exactly how they make out in the Inbertweeners movie! Despite waking up feeling very rough each morning, I had one of the best weeks ever, filled with sunshine, fun and great company.
7. Finally I began to pursue my passion for writing. Back in May I decided I wanted to join the blogging craze and divulge my opinions over matters that are often interesting topics of debate, hence the name 'Those giant questions'. I have also recently submitted an article to the student newspaper here at uni and I'm looking forward to it being printed (fingers crossed!)
That was rather difficult trying to narrow it down! I recommend everyone should give this a go, even if its brief. Its always nice to reflect on the year you've had and what you've achieved.
Im getting in the Christmas mood so I thought I would have a go at the 'Christmas tag' post recommended to me by my friend and fellow blogger Lauren. Have a go at answering these yourself and feel free to disagree with any of my answers! Merry Christmas!
What is your favourite Christmas film?
Oo this is a rather tricky one! But as I'm quite a hopeless romantic at heart I will have to go for Love Actually, which I pick not only for its many story lines and clever plot, but also its humour! We all love the scene with Rowan Atkinson in Selfridges! Not to mention its array of brilliant famous faces. Any film starring Colin Firth and Hugh Grant is bound to be good right? However, I am quite a fan of The Holiday, the one where Winslet and Diaz swap houses for Christmas, it again is very funny with a great story line and stars the lovely Jude Law!
Have you ever had a White Christmas?
Sadly no, not that I recall. I think the closest I have come to it is having a very thin layer of snow on the ground but I am sure that doesn't count!
Where do you usually spend your holiday?
I have spent Christmas in various houses however it is often spent in either one of two places, at home or down in Surrey with my Auntie. The usual crowd of relatives gathers which is nice because with being away at university I see them even less than I did before so Im looking forward to it!
What is your favourite Christmas song?
I think it may have to be Last Christmas, if I had to pick from the classics we hear each year, mainly because I like the video where they all spend Christmas in that ski lodge in the mountains, how cool would that be?! However, I am a big fan of Michael Buble and his Christmas album is the best! Its always on in our household when decorating the tree, well actually its on throughout most of December!
Do you open any presents on Christmas Eve?
No! I can wait until the morning! Do people do this?
Can you name all of Santa's Reindeer?
There is definitely a song to remember this with...
Erm, Comet, Donnor, Vixen, Blitzen, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Rudolph?
What holiday traditions are you looking forward to most this year?
I love buying people gifts, especially when you find something which you know they will love, but my favourite bit is giving it to them and seeing their smile, aww how cheesy! Oh, and not forgetting the Christmas food! That excess of chocolate, turkey and those Boxing Day leftovers!
Is your Christmas tree real or fake?
Real! I love the smell and picking the tree is always hilarious as there are often arguments over which tree to buy. We also put up a fake tree in the dining room to keep up the Christmas spirit over dinner.
What is your all time favourite holiday food/ sweet treat?
Hmm, a tradition in our house is to have Turkish Delight on side for helpings, and this is the only time of year its in our house! Im also a fan of cheese at Christmas, which may sound odd, but we always have a wide selection of cheese in stock for the Christmas day cheeseboard. Yum!
Be honest: do you like giving gifts or receiving gifts better?
As I mentioned earlier, it has to be giving. I love seeing that smile on peoples faces!
What is the best Christmas gift you've ever received?
I think as a kid, it has to be the Nintendo DS, that very first edition! I remember looking at them in a shop a month or so before and being fascinated with the game Nintendogs, and as a big lover of dogs I thought as I don't have a dog, this game may the closest I will ever get! Luckily a couple of years later we visited my mums friend, who owned a Norfolk Terrier who had just had puppies, it was literally love at first sight, and Tilly came home with us a few weeks later.
What would be your dream place to visit for the holiday season?
Somewhere snowy so I can experience that 'White Christmas', maybe Canada? Another obvious choice would be New York, ice skating in Central Park, Christmas shopping in Bloomingdales, New Year in Times Square! That is something for my bucket list.
Are you a pro present wrapper or do you fail miserably?
I would like to think my present wrapping is not too shabby, but I am a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to things like that. I can do that clever trick though of not cutting the wrapping paper but slicing it in one smooth motion.
Most memorable holiday moment?
Hmm this is a hard question, as Ive experienced a fair few Christmases now! I think dressing up as Rudolph and Santa with my brother and decorating the tree when we were little, and probably not doing a great job! Also when my cousin was born on December 3rd and her arriving at the house still so tiny, dressed in a Rudolph baby grow, adorable!
What made you realise the truth about Santa?
I think I began to work it out when I noticed the writing on the labels on presents addressed from Santa was very similar to the handwriting of mum and dad... Although I didn't want to admit he wasn't real just in case he was, plus I wanted to keep it alive for my younger brother.
Do you make New Resolutions? Do you stick to them?
Yes, I try to make resolutions, this year is to take advantage of the opportunities that come my way and try not to let them pass me by. Do I stick to them, well I think in the first month I will try, as everyone does, new year, new me thing, but I'm sure as time goes on I might forget... But I am really going to try this year!
What makes the holidays special for you?
I think the whole Christmas spirit, and the attitude of 'c'mon its Christmas'. I think that people become more optimistic, and generally happier, despite those who hate this time of year. The whole idea of being brought together, whether it be friends or family is great fun, and its always nice to treat people who are great to you all year round!
So winter is fast approaching! We are nearly out of autumn, my favourite season, and into the dreaded dark evenings and cold mornings. Halloween, Bonfire Night and Remembrance Sunday are all finished which can only mean we must turn our eyes to one thing... yep you've guessed it... Christmas! With the winter weather on its way, I have compiled a list of what I believe are the winter essentials for this season, whether it be gift ideas or pressies for yourself, take a look!
Scarf- at the top of my list is the scarf, a classic winter accessory! In this season is tartan. Across all the stores, tartan is back. Not just keeping you warm this winter, but it keeps you on trend! Another popular choice is the fur scarf. Fur now appears on coats, hats and now in scarfs! Finally the 'snood' scarf can keep you very cosy on those long winter walks. The scarf is also the perfect Christmas pressie with so much choice, there is one to suit everyone!
2. Travel Mugs - on those cold winter mornings, with the frost still on the ground, walking to work, school or for me university, what more to comfort you at 8 in the morning than a nice warm brew or for those coffee lovers, a steaming latte? Not only does a flask have a useful practical use, it has also become something of an accessory. It now comes in all sorts of designs, from polka-dot to floral and others which have famous phrases such as Keep Calm and Carry On. Across many shops, from New Look to Urban Outfitters, the travel mug makes an appearance on the shelves. It will provide you with much comfort and makes that early winter walk a little easier! It also makes a perfect Christmas gift!
3. Coat- An essential item for winter, where would you be without a coat? This season, there are many types of coat on trend. A popular style this season is the fur coat, although not particularly practical, this coat makes anything you wear look glamorous! If you want to ooze sophistication and elegance this is the coat for you, although bear in mind, you may look pretty dancing around in the snow (if we get any this winter), it is not going to prevent you from getting wet! A second fashionable coat this season is the Duffle coat, which indeed is very smart, often coming in popular colours such as navy, burgundy and green which go with pretty much anything and can smarten up an old pair on jeans in no time! My personal preference is the navy Duffle coat coupled with a tartan scarf as it is the perfect winter trend this season. Additionally, the Puffer coat has made a come back, which are both highly practical and fashionable, especially as many which appear in the high streets shops have a belt to emphasise that figure under neath all that bulk! Finally, the hooded parker, which are more often than not fluffy hoods, are considerably popular among the British public. This coat is quite waterproof with its waxy texture, but also very warm with its furry lining so is a good bet for the winter season.
4. Fluffy Jumper- Where would we be without that fluffy jumper? Essential for cold days out, or even warm nights in snuggling up watching the Christmas films such as Love Actually? Even Diaz emphasises this by wearing one herself in the Christmas classic rom-com The Holiday! There is a swerve back to the 90's going on at this moment in the fashion sphere, and aside from the reappearance of sequins, velvet and sparkle, the classic nineties fluffy jumper has made a come back too! So if you don't own one, or are looking for a new jumper to fulfil those winter needs, just venture out to your local high street, because the shops are full of them!
5. Chelsea boots- My final winter item is boots, but not just any boots, Chelsea boots, the most popular and trendy boot in fashion at this current time. You do not have to search far to find Chelsea boots as they are also all over the shops at the moment. In winter time, its nice to own a sturdy pair of boots that won't let you down as the leaves on the pavement turn to mulch, and for that thin layer of snow we might experience in Britain at some point! Chelsea boots with a heel are a brilliant idea as they are perfect for a night out whilst being practical whilst walking round the town. They go with whatever and can be warn whenever! I would defiantly recommend you invest in these as they are brilliant boots, and have made me very happy.
So now that summer is over, and those autumn days are drawing in, that means colder weather and probably more rain! On those cold or rainy afternoons what better to do than watch a film? So here are a few recommendations of mine.
1. Captain Philips (2013)- is the true story of Captain Richard Philips, an american, who, with his crew was attacked by Somali pirates. If you like action movies this is the film for you, but with a bit of violence added in. This film is full of action and can be a bit of tear jerker, especially as its based on a true story! I definatly recommend it, a classic Tom Hanks performance is always worth a watch!
2. Divergent (2014)- Although some might see this film series as another Hunger Games type thing, its not! I have to be honest, I did believe it would be too similar, however it is quite different! It has a very alternative view of the future of society and offers the perfect coupling of action and romance, with the female lead taking the role of the heroine.
3. The Great Gatsby (2013)- A throwback to the the New York of the 1920's, this film is full of colour and liveliness. The film features great music from artists such as Will.i.am and Fergie which blend well into the historic setting. It encapsulates a series of themes, from romance, hypocrisy, deviance, anger and heartbreak which in turn provide a range of emotions for the audience. Also Leonardo doesn't look too bad! I defiantly recommend it!
4. The Other Woman (2014)- I went to watch this film in the cinema on a whim with a friend at University and it was the funniest film I had seen in ages! Focusing on three women, who have all been cheated on by their husband/ boyfriend by one another they play various tricks to make his life a little more difficult. Starring Diaz, again looking sublime, Leslie Mann and Kate Upton, the film focuses on girl power! I recommend for a girly night in!
5. The Perks of being a Wallflower (2012)- Is a film about coming of age, experiencing those first parties, learning how to adjust to high school, and the cliche one...falling in love. The film ventures into some deeper themes and makes you reflect on yourself and how others portray you. I would recommend a watch, because its a film you will love for its innocent and adorable main character Charlie. Plus, its good for you to reflect on those around you and yourself.
6. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)- One of the top grossing films of 2013, this film is brilliant but crazy. I went to see it with a group of friends at uni last February and the we loved it, well especially the boys for the beautiful Margot Robbie, and the girls, Mr DiCaprio, well for me in particular as a big Leo fan. The film tells of the classic cathartic tale of the rise of Jordon Belfort from rags to riches through New York's stock market. It does have frequent use of swearing, drugs and sex, but who doesn't like to watch a bit of bad behaviour once in a while! The only downside to this film is it is rated an 18, and is very long! Make sure you have plenty of snacks on hand!
7. Frozen (2013)- You may be thinking, Disney haven't brought out any fantastic films since the likes of Toy Story 3, or even Finding Nemo! But Frozen, now a worldwide sensation is a must see! First introduced to me by my 11 year old cousin at Christmas time, the film was brilliant, in keeping with fantastic Disney tunes which you must of heard, 'Let it Go' which have entered the charts. The tunes are unbelievably catchy and the film has a modern feel to it, whilst maintaining its fairytale charm.
8. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)- Having read the book, admittedly over the course of my first year at University, I was touched by the sensitivity of the story of a young person living with cancer. The film did live up to my expectations, with great actors Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort to play Hazel and Gus. If your a bit of a softie, i would recommend it for an evening, but beware you may shed a tear or two!
9. 12 years a Slave (2013)- A heart wrenching watch, this film tells the tale of a free man who becomes enslaved in America's deep South. It is a very interesting watch, and as a history student, it teaches you a lot about the divide in America over segregation in the 19th century. It is, as you expect, violent and upsetting but it is a film that makes you think and appreciate what rights you have in this day and age. A recommendation for a sunday afternoon!
10. Les Miserables (2012)- The classic West End musical is brought to the big screen, and as much as people doubted it, it was a triumph. The cast, in all honesty, seem to make this film, with lead roles being taken by Hugh Jackson, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Eddie Redmayne, Amanda Seyfried, Samantha Barks, Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter, who give amazing performances and really can sing! Having seen Les Mis on stage, nothing seems to beat that experience, however, this film comes very close and the songs throughout the musical are amazing, not to mention the costumes!
11. The Host (2013)- The book, written by Twilight extraordinare and inventor Stephanie Meyer was apparently fantastic, unfortunately I still haven't read it! But the film was also great! Set in a future life, it focuses on a young girl escaping an alien invasion, with her gorgeous boyfriend, played by Max Irons. This film has that mixture of action and romance with an ultimate twist!
12. About Time (2013)- This film was produced by the makers of Notting Hill and Love Actually, and it most defiantly has the feel of both those films throughout. It focuses on a young guy starting out in life, being told he has the ability to turn back time which comes in handy with his difficulty with girls and later becomes important in some serious situations. It is very romantic and also hilarious. If you like Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill or Love Actually, this film is for you.
13. Warm Bodies (2013)- Unlike most zombie movies out there, not a Dawn or the Dead or for that matter Shaun of the Dead, it is unique as it incorporates a love story. With the classic tune 'Hungry Heart' as the theme of the film, it examines how evil can become good again, and the traditional theory that love can bring you back to life, but this time its literal. I recommend to all you romantics out there, and those who love zombie films!
14. Safe Haven (2013)- A Nicholas Sparks creation, this film is slightly more edgy than his other stories. It involves a bit of a mystery, the police, a fire, its lets say, less innocent and therefore quite different to his other stories. However it still has the classic romantic moments and the times when you want to cry. A worthwhile watch.
So Summer is here! Why not make it your best one yet? I have come up with a summer bucket list for you to follow to try and make this summer the most memorable ever. Remember you only live once!
1. Sleep under the stars
2. Go camping with friends
3. Go on a European city break (or several for that matter)
4. Pick strawberries and eat them (with cream in a true British fashion)
5. Go swimming in the sea (In Britain)
6. Go swimming in the sea (somewhere hot where it is not so painful)
7. Try a new sport
8. Take a summer walk one evening
9. Stay up all night and watch the sunrise
10. Watch a television series you have always wanted to see but never had the time
11. Go for a picnic
12. Go for a luxurious picnic with champagne and smoked salmon and cucumber sandwiches
13. Go for an evening drive
14. Go out and roll in at 6am
15. Go to the races
16. Go to a concert or festival
17. Watch that film you have always wanted to see
18. Have a BBQ with friends
19. Have a BBQ on the beach with cider
20. Play Beer- Pong
21. Throw a party
22. See in a West End show
23. Go on a long bike ride
24. Hire a boat for the day and sail upon a river for the day (I recommend the river Dart in South Devon)
25. Host a meal for your friends
26. Learn to make cocktails
27. Have a Pimms evening
28. Try to eat healthier- make plenty of fruit salads
29. Collect shells at the beach
30. Play beach volleyball with friends
31. Have a waterfight
32. Listen to Jack Johnson- trust me he is the sound of summer!
33. Kiss a stranger (thats if your single, I am not encouraging cheating)
34. Take a walk along the sand barefoot
35. Go somewhere completely new
36. Take a road trip and take a couple of pairs of clothes to see you through
37. Make a campfire in the woods and melt marshmallows on sticks
38. Take a trip to an outdoor cinema screening or create one yourself
39. Go to an airshow
40. Get a golden brown tan
41. Make your own ice lollies (lemonade ones are amazing)
42. Go skinny dipping
43. Release lanterns into the sky one evening
44. Go jet skiing or surfing or some type of water sport
45. Eat an ice cream or fish and chips on the end of a pier on on the beach
46. Go on a girls/ lads holiday
47. Visit those friends you hardly ever see
48. Read books- at least one for those of you that don't read
49. Make an effort to form better friendships with people
50. Have fun whatever the weather
So how many have you done so far?
The aim is to tick off as many as you can! That way you can see what you have achieved and if you are having the summer of a lifetime!
Thats right, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the first airing of the American TV sitcom F.R.I.E.N.D.S! Back on the 22nd September 1994, the first episode ' The Pilot' hit American TV screens for the first time, and 10 years later the show ended. With over 200 million views across all ten seasons in the US alone, it was undoubtably a hit. The final episode of F.R.I.E.N.D.S was watched by 54.46 million people across the US, which made it the fourth most watched finale of any television series in history! But why was this American sitcom so successful, not only in America but internationality? Why do people such as myself continue to watch F.R.I.E.N.D.S?
This show just doesn't get old! Why is F.R.I.E.N.D.S still appearing on our screens everyday? In the UK, the show appeared on E4 from 2004 through to 2011 repeating the ten series and then this role was taken on later that year by Comedy Central UK in high definition and is on going. F.R.I.E.N.D.S is still watched by so many! I think the main reason being is because it has such a strong link to reality. The producers behind the show, David Crane and Marta Kauffman claimed the show was about '...sex, love, relationships, careers, a time in your life when everything's possible. And its about friendship because when your'e single and in the city, your friends are your family'. What the creators of the show refer to, is the most exciting time in your life. People can relate to the experience of the feeling of the unknown and making your way in the world. Even as a university student I agree that your friends really do become your family when you lead your own life as an individual and yes, it is very exciting. Most people understand and can relate to this statement because we have either been there already, on that journey currently, or are about to begin it. This time in your life can be lively, thrilling and most of all unpredictable. People love to revisit the years of fun, parties, the series of boyfriends or girlfriends, when in all you were living your life as an individual and experiencing everything yourself and growing as a person to become who you are in later life. This is one of the reasons F.R.I.E.N.D.S is so successful, we can watch each character grow into who they are, as they are shaped by their experiences.
Season 1- episode 1- 'The Pilot' (1994) From the very beginning, in 'The Pilot' episode, each character is portrayed differently with different qualities. This is another reason which can be attributed to the shows success. Each character has individual traits which can be related to your own friends, family or even yourself.
Season 10- episode 18- 'The Last One' (2004)
Firstly, you have Monica Geller (Courtney Cox), who acts as the mother of the group, with her bossy, and obsessive nature. Monica almost holds the group together originally, Ross as her older brother, she is friends with Chandler through Ross, and Joey through Chandler, Rachel as her old high school friend and Phoebe as her ex- flatmate. She is often made fun of for her obesity when she was younger and for her compulsive behaviour surrounding cleanliness. But Monica has a very caring heart. Feeling broody throughout all ten seasons, Monica falls in love with Chandler and marries him and goes on to adopt twins with him in the final episode.
On the contrary, Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston) embodies many things Monica does not. She was the popular girl at high school, successful with boys and in the beginning is very much a 'daddy's girl'. Once moved in with Monica, Rachel learns to become independent in the city, working her way up in the fashion industry. Rachel is romantically involved with Ross in season two, and later has a baby, Emma, with him as a consequence of their on and off relationship and a couple glasses of wine... Rachel is sweet natured and fun loving and learns to thrive in the city.
Character Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), the most eccentric of the characters, had a rough upbringing, with her mother committing suicide and her father leaving home. She is innocent in nature and is very kind but with a strong backbone. Phoebe sings, although very obscure songs rather badly, at the Central Perk coffee house, where the group often hang out. Phoebe has an identical twin Ursula, who unlike Phoebe is cold hearted and selfish. She has a few serious relationships throughout the ten seasons and eventually marries Mike Hannigan in season ten.
Above- The F.R.I.E.N.D.S cast in 1994- from the top left,
Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer,
Matthew Perry, Courtney Cox and Jennifer Aniston.
Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry) is the 'funny one' of the group due to his very sarcastic humour. He is known for having bad luck with women and for his annoying ex- girlfriend Janice who he dates in season one. He later falls in love with Monica after they begin seeing each other after Ross's wedding in London. Chandler is sweet, understanding and has a good heart.
Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc) is a typical ladies man and food lover. He is an actor who gets a big break on the television show Days of our Lives. Joey is Chandler's room mate for most of the seasons, however Rachel moves in for a while in later seasons. Joey and Rachel have a brief romance, but they decide to just stay friends. Although simple-minded, Joey is affectionate and warm hearted.
Ross Geller (David Schwimmer), is Monica's older brother is the most academic of the group, working as a palaeontologist. This is coupled with his geeky behaviour, often boring the group with stories about dinosaurs. However, Ross is warm hearted and sweet but can be socially awkward and a little clumsy. Ross has three failed marriages throughout the ten seasons, which is often made fun of by the others. Ross has an on and off relationship with Rachel throughout all ten seasons, and frequently gets jealous of Rachel's boyfriends. Ross and Rachel confess their love for each other in the final episode.
Above- the F.R.I.E.N.D.S cast in 2004,
at the end of season ten.
So why else has F.R.I.E.N.D.S been so successful?
The shows story lines are certainly very relatable. They focus on the 'everyday', for example the struggle with jobs, such as Rachel's hate for waitressing, Chandler's boring job, or Monica's struggle to find work as a chef. They look at simple things such as dealing with parents, we see this with Rachel's difficult father and Monica's nitpicky mother. There is the focus on various relationships in the group, with many of the members having a few serious relationships such as Ross and Emily, Monica and Richard and Phoebe and David.
Moreover, the relationship story lines within the group, such as Ross and Rachel hooked us to the show. They were constantly on and off but they knew they really wanted to be together and so did we! They were such a perfect couple in season two, and everyone loves a bit of romance! However, the reality of witnessing the break up of Ross and Rachel in season three added a huge sense of realism to the show as it is not in keeping with the traditional fairytale ending. Their love for each other is a constant theme of the show, with them getting back together briefly at the beginning of season four even the group visit the beach, Ross saying Rachel's name at the alter when marrying Emily, the drunken Vegas wedding and divorce and having baby Emma in season eight. As Phoebe says in 'The One with the Prom Video'- 'he's her lobster!', meaning they are meant for each other and should be together forever.
The unexpected relationship that forms with Monica and Chandler after a drunken night in London is again in keeping with the reality theme. This couple formed not by meeting eyes across a room, but in a way suited to the modern day. They found something they had always wanted but never realised it was so near. Monica and Chandler show real love, especially when Chandler confesses his love for Monica when kissing Phoebe and when Monica tries to propose to Chandler after Richard asks her to marry him. Their relationship was one we could track in the show, right from them hiding it from the group, to their wedding in season eight. In their wedding vows, we almost feel a little emotional when we realise how far this couple has come and how all the characters had really grown up. Back in season one, I think I personally, and many more of you may agree that insecure and commitment afraid Chandler wouldn't be one to get married whilst the show aired. But then who knew it would last a decade, a lot can change!
F.R.I.E.N.D.S has been so successful it has a song totally attributed to the show. 'I'll Be There for You' by The Rembrandts is the introduction song to the show and it became an instant hit, remaining in the top 100 chart songs in the US for 8 weeks. Additionally, further afield came number three in the UK singles chart, reached third in Australia and seventeen in the US billboard top 100. Its a classic, now only ever associated with the American sitcom!
Not only has F.R.I.E.N.D.S impacted people with its own song, but it has set trends internationality! We all remember in season two, Rachel's layered style hair cut? This was such a huge hit with women across the US and in other countries where the show was popular, it became known as 'The Rachel'. Moreover, Joey's catch phrase 'How you doin?' became such a popular line, it is instantly recognisable by any person who has seen the show and frequently used across Western cultures. On and off relationships can be commonly referred to a 'Ross and Rachel', with the famous line 'We were on a break' cropping up. People often describe people as 'just like Monica or Joey from F.R.I.E.N.D.S'.
Most importantly, F.R.I.E.N.D.S is hilarious! Every episode there is something to laugh about! If its not the running jokes, such as Ross's failed marriages, Chandler's lack of of luck with women or Joey's luck with women! Its the celebrity guests, such as Brad Pitt or Reese Witherspoon who add extra humour to the show. The one liners such which all cast members execute so excellently stick in our minds. The big episodes such as 'The One Where Rachel Tells Ross' or 'The One with Ross's Wedding Part 2', although they have a serious undertone, are hilarious!
F.R.I.E.N.D.S is a show that is going to be remembered for a long time. I presume it will continue to be showed for many years to come! I believe the true success of the show is due to its clear link to reality. Its focus on the life of young people, who are living unstable lives, both with relationships and with careers is highly relatable to many young people of our time, and for that matter, older people who can relate to this setup. F.R.I.E.N.D.S demonstrates the modern lifestyle many people lead today, showing that our friends can become your family. Its emphasis on the daily troubles of life makes it even more relatable to audiences watching. The University of Buffalo, USA, claimed that F.R.I.E.N.D.S changed American culture forever. It is evident this American sitcom has had a huge impact on many people and is part of our generation we will never forget. It as one of the best comedy series if all time, teaching us all sorts of life lessons along the way, and most of all demonstrating how important your friends really are!
Happy twenty years F.R.I.E.N.D.S! I am sure you are going to be around for a long time yet!
An interview with the cast back in 1994- no one knew then the impact this show would have on western culture, the international success and how long it would appear on our screens!
