The Friends Fan Theory That Proves Chandler Always Wanted Monica
It has been roughly two decades since "Friends" celebrated its tearful finale after an impressive 10 seasons, but the sitcom remains a special one for old and new generations alike. There is just something about watching these iconic characters navigate life in New York just doesn't seem to get old.
True "Friends" diehards know that the on-again, off-again relationship between Ross (David Schwimmer) and Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) is a key component of the series. It's impossible to forget Ross' constant exclamations of, "We were on a break!" and their realization that they are, in the parlance of Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), each other's lobster.
However, another relationship that drives the plotline of "Friends" is the one between Chandler (Matthew Perry) and Monica (Courteney Cox). According to a slew of flashback episodes, Ross' best friend and sister did not get along in their younger years, largely due to Chandler insulting Monica about her weight at Thanksgiving. Fast-forward to Ross' controversial wedding in Season 4, and viewers shockingly see this unlikely pairing spend the night together at the hotel. Monica and Chandler tie the knot in Season 7, and eventually welcome twins via surrogate Erica (Anna Faris).
While some "Friends" fans find the marriage between funny guy Chandler and obsessive cleaner Monica to be surprising, others feel that it was always meant to be.
Chandler may have moved across the hall from Monica to be close to her
A number of "Friends" superfans believe that Chandler's attraction to Monica began years before that fateful night in London. In fact, they feel that Chandler and Monica living across the hall from one another isn't a coincidence. On Reddit, u/Infamous_Suspect_44 explained their theory that Chandler had a secret thing for Monica ever since his second Thanksgiving spent at the Geller residence. This may have led to his decision to rent the apartment directly across the hall from Monica.
"I think he had budding feelings for Monica that he couldn't even confront because of all of his issues but wanted to be physically close to her," they wrote. "Plus, he doesn't financially need a roommate, so that makes me believe he wanted to live close to Monica even if he wasn't ready to even flirt with her for years. If that's true, it would make their love story even cuter."
The theory is supported by several other users, including u/FaithlessnessMore291, who commented, "I love this. It's never occurred to me that it's a big coincidence that Chandler lived across the hall from his college friend's sister."
Others think Chandler moved in at the suggestion of Ross, who wanted someone trustworthy to watch over his little sister. "I can see him finding out the apartment across the hall is available and begging Chandler to take it," wrote u/astrocanyounaut. Thread creator u/Infamous_Suspect_44 agreed, saying, "I could see Ross staging an impromptu meeting between Chandler and the guy who lived there, being all like, 'What's this? The apartment near my sister is available, what a coincidence.'"