Dating Lessons From TV Couples

Some Fictional Pairings Show Us How to Improve Our Relationships

Jun 6, 2007 Cherie Burbach

TV may be the land of make-believe, but it doesn't mean we can't also learn a thing or two about dating from our favorite characters.

When it comes to television couples, the relationships are often romantic, tumultuous, and sometimes – completely wrong. Here are some famous TV couplings and the lessons we can learn from them:

Ross and Rachel on Friends

These two were one of the most loved (and sometimes hated) story lines on television. Their on-again, off-again (we were on a break!) romance was engaging, but by the final season viewers had just about had enough. Many of us have known a real-life couple like Ross and Rachel. They can’t seem to get together, and when they’re together they can’t stay that way. Ross admired Rachel from afar for years, and when Rachel finally discovers his feelings he’s with someone else. Rachel makes sure she’s never out of Ross’ site, so even when he tries to move on and even get married, she’s there at just the right moment to mess things up. They end up together after a much-dragged out storyline in the final episode, but would any of us be surprised if we found out that they were “off” again should there be a Friends reunion?

The Lesson: Just because someone’s in your life a long time doesn’t mean they are your soul mate. When you have an on-again, off-again relationship, sometimes it’s best to get distance to determine if they are really right for you.

Jim and Pam on The Office

Despite the fact that Jim and Pam haven’t even gone out yet, they’ve enjoyed a shared sense of humor, similar life outlook, sweet friendship, and one remarkably heartwarming declaration of love (sealed with a kiss.) After Jim shared his feelings with Pam, he went off to work at another office, giving Pam time to think a few things through. She called off her wedding, but when Jim came back he was dating someone else. This fictional pair has wisely both continued to take a look at their relationship from some much-needed distance. The result will likely be that Pam takes some time to grow and discover herself, Jim will move on in a relationship with someone that cares about him, and eventually the two will end up together in a healthy relationship.

The Lesson: Sometimes you meet the right person when you’re with someone else. If this should happen you need time to reflect and make a decision that’s right for you. Avoid impulses and let things develop naturally. Handling things in a mature and respectful manner will also help you avoid unnecessarily hurting someone else. The bottom line is that if you are meant to be with someone – you will be.

Carla and Turk on Scrubs. She’s a little older and somewhat controlling – he’s the confident yet immature surgeon that sometimes needs a reality check. This fictional couple hooked up early in the first season, went through the most true-to-life dating progression seen on the small screen, and after a few seasons, married.

The Lesson: When it’s right – it’s right. True love may begin with a spark, but it continues to grow as time goes on. You may have disagreements as you learn about each other, but with a mature relationship you’ll be working on staying together, not looking for reasons to part.

The copyright of the article Dating Lessons From TV Couples in Dating is owned by Cherie Burbach. Permission to republish Dating Lessons From TV Couples in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Ross and Rachel on Friends