The One where...

15 Yemen Road, Yemen?

The One where we lost an amazing ‘Bing’!

Chandler Bing, a character we never met, yet he was there for us. Maybe because he taught us about ‘adulting’ through his actions. He grew up and along with him, we did too. He showed us that life isn’t about grand gestures but about those little quirks and laughter. I remember having a bad day and then watching an episode of Friends or even snippets of the show, of Chandler and feeling a lot better. He had that ‘quality’.?

Chandler showed us that being an adult doesn't mean having all the answers, it means navigating life by making embarrassing mistakes and laughing at them by developing a great sense of humor, and a whole lot of sarcasm. Whether it was perspective, career, or love, he gave us serious goals!?

He despised his job of ‘statistical analysis and data reconfiguration’, yet he stayed because he got promotions and increments. Many of us can relate to that feeling of being stuck in a job we don't love. Chandler's struggles were our struggles, and his humorous way of dealing with them inspired us.?

When he fell asleep during a meeting, he highlighted the absurdity of the corporate world. Being in school, this was the first time I was introduced to the concept of Monday blue and morning meetings. And when he had to move to Tulsa, he didn't force Monica to come along with him. He understood her career goals and decided to make this long-distance relationship work. He showed us the importance of compromise and understanding.?

Chandler's ultimate act of courage was when he quit his job and took a stand to be the woman he loved. He made everyone’s Christmas so much better. Later he decided to pursue his passion. And when he got an unpaid internship he took it not worrying about the age gap between him and the other interns. He reminded us that it's always possible to follow our dreams and find our true calling.?

His journey from commitment-phobia to a loving and committed partner taught us that perfection isn't a prerequisite for a perfect relationship but being there for someone is what truly matters.?

He was a friend who generously covered Joey's headshots, acting lessons, rent, and meals without ever needing to mention his kind deeds. His blabbering was the catalyst behind Ross and Rachel’s relationship. He was Ross Geller’s oldest friend, Joey Tribbiani’s best friend, and Rachel's weird friend, and who walked Pheobe down the aisle and Monica’s best friend and husband.?

Chandler Bing was a character who evolved, who grew, and who taught us that we can do the same. As I watch my favorite episodes without him, it will be different, a little empty. And there will be those moments, when I gaze upon the empty Barcalounger, the unoccupied spot at the coffee table, or the broken china, Chandler, I will remember you.?

Thank you, Chandler M. Bing, for the laughter, the lessons, and the love.

The One where Matthew Perry is no More?

I remember a few years ago, as I was scrolling through my Facebook feed (before Instagram became the trend), I came across a post that said someday we'd hear the news that one of our friends had passed away, and everything would change. At that moment, a pit formed in my stomach, but it still felt like a distant future. Today, that future has become our reality.

I've read countless times that Matthew Perry and Chandler Bing were a match made in heaven, but Matthew was so much more than just a character. He once expressed a desire to be remembered beyond Chandler Bing, and I truly understand that sentiment. Chandler was a part of his life, not his entire identity.

I can vividly recall watching behind-the-scenes footage of Friends and admiring the effortless wit that seemed to flow naturally from him. Matthew was not only one of the kindest and sweetest people, as attested by many of his co-stars, but his wit was truly one of a kind – something that Chandler inherited from him.

Matthew Perry was a person who carried a light that battled the darkness within. He openly discussed his struggles with addiction, and even in his last interview, he talked about his desire to help those facing similar battles. He shared his personal experiences, hoping they would benefit others. In his book, 'Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing,' he courageously opened up about these challenges.

While Chandler will always hold a special place in my heart, here’s to remembering a man who was more than Chandler Bing.?I am sure that Matthew Perry would be teaching Sarcasm 101 making everyone's stay in paradise a lot more funnier.

R.I.P Matthew Perry.