11 Life Lessons From Chandler Bing We’ll Always Remember

When it comes to sitcoms, Chandler Bing is one of the most iconic characters of all time. For all the right reasons? Indeed for all the right reasons. Chandler Bing who was portrayed by Matthew Perry in the hit TV series Friends, is beloved for his quick wit, sarcasm, and endearing quirks. This much-loved character has offered the viewers numerous life lessons throughout the series.

Here are eleven valuable lessons we can learn from Chandler Bing:

1. Embrace your awkwardness

Chandler Bing is one such character who unapologetically embraces his own awkwardness. He doesn’t conceal it; in fact, he wears it like a badge of honor, openly admitting it to anyone he encounters.

He’s candid about being “hopeless, awkward, and desperate for love,” never attempting to mask this facet of his personality. His friends and audiences alike cherish this genuine quality of his which is more of a life lesson as well!

2. You can quit your job even if you’re in your 30s

Chandler Bing’s choice to quit his job in his 30s in “Friends” underscores the importance of prioritizing happiness over job security. He chooses to quit his job so that he can fly back to his home and be with his love, Monica Geller. Monica helps him get an advertising job once he is back and it shows that everything can work out if you are happy from within. His decision shows that it’s perfectly acceptable to make a career shift if your current job makes you feel stuck. It does not matter if you are in your 30s if you are not happy with your job you must quit it.

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3. Use sarcasm as a coping mechanism

Chandler Bing often employs witty, self-deprecating humor to deflect from profound emotions or serious discussions, especially when he feels vulnerable. While this serves as his personal defense mechanism, Chandler’s sarcasm also spreads laughter. Many people who are not comfortable being vulnerable around everyone resort to sarcasm and well it works wonders for them.

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4. Honesty can work wonders for you

Chandler Bing has always been a guy who avoids serious conversations and chooses humor over everything. To say that it sometimes led him to grapple with consequences would not be so wrong.

However, when he eventually chooses to communicate openly and honestly as he confesses his hidden feelings for Monica Geller in Season 4 things can entirely between them. Why? Because she also reciprocates the feelings with as much zeal! No Friends fanatic can ever forget the way Monica proposed to Chandler. Season 4, Episode 11 is one of the most heartwarming episodes of all time!

5. Lying does not end well

In Season 4 of “Friends,” Chandler’s encounter with Janice, his ex-girlfriend, takes an unexpected turn. Janice believes they’re destined to be together, but Chandler doesn’t share the sentiment. To escape her persistence, he concocts an elaborate lie about an impending job assignment in Yemen.

However, as Janice remains unwavering, Chandler is compelled to go to great lengths, including actually packing and heading to the airport. His ordeal underscores the notion that dishonesty and fabrications tend to unravel and create more problems than they solve.

6. Commitment is not scary

Chandler’s childhood was marred by unhappiness, a subject he often broached in Friends. His parents’ announcement of their divorce, particularly during Thanksgiving, left an indelible mark, making him insecure and commitment-averse in his own relationships. However, when Monica came into his life things changed for good.

He realized and taught his viewers that “you are not like your parents”. He realized that he could commit to someone if that someone was right for him. That someone was none other than Monica Geller for him.

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7. Communication is important

Chandler and Monica’s relationship was profoundly meaningful, yet it had its share of imperfections. Chandler’s journey involved embracing vulnerability and learning the art of open communication. He discovered that honesty, even in uncomfortable moments like critiquing Monica’s massages, was paramount.

Witnessing this, his audience understood this valuable life lesson in the best possible manner. Be it friendship or love, communication can solve all the misconceptions. Thanks, Chandler Bing for teaching us this!

8. Dance like no one is watching

While there are many things that Chandler Bing is known for nothing can beat his dancing! He dances like no one is watching and that is one of the most loved things about him. Indeed his moves create a big chuckle but with that, he teaches how we should embrace spontaneity and break free from social anxieties!

His dance move teaches how you should not care for the world but be happy with what you are doing. Is not this the best thing he taught us all ever?

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9. Breakup with your annoying partner and never go back

Chandler Bing and his ex-girlfriend Janice’s tumultuous relationship is a testament to how important it is to recognize when to end a relationship with an annoying partner and not look back. They did find their way back to one another however their relationship was nothing but an unhealthy one.

It took some time but Chandler finally realized to end it and never go back to her. He mustered up some much-needed courage to break up with her so that he could finally prioritize his peace and happiness.

10. Marry someone who is your bestfriend

Chandler Bing married Monica Geller who was not just his true love but also his best friend. Their romantic relationship blossoms from a deep, supportive friendship built on trust, shared experiences, and genuine understanding of one another.

If one does not seek all these criteria while marrying someone then what is it that they seek, right? His and Monica’s love story still lives in the hearts of everyone, rent-free. Everyone wishes to have a love like theirs.

11. Friendship is everything

Chandler Bing taught us that Friendship is everything. Throughout the series, one can witness this. However, the best example comes from his friendship with Joey. He provided him with a place to live, food to eat, and a friend for life! Throughout the series, his unwavering loyalty and support for his close-knit group of friends is a testament to how Friendship is everything.

These are the some life-lessons that we came up with! What is your favorite life lesson from Chandler Bing? Do share your thoughts via the comments below. 

Also read: 12 Lesser-Known Revelations From Matthew Perry’s Life