Friends is an iconic show about the highs and lows of everyday life for twenty-somethings living in the '90s. Even 11 years after the show ended, it still manages to touch the hearts of many Americans. I grew up watching Friends, and my six friends from NYC taught me a lot about life along the way. Here are 11 things that Monica, Chandler, Rachel, Joey, Phoebe and Ross taught me about love over the years.

1. Sometimes what you have been looking for is right in front of you.

Monica and Chandler were just friends for over a decade before they finally found each other and gave their relationship a shot. They are a true example of how being best friends before engaging in a romantic relationship can create the most extraordinary  relationships. The years they spent as friends only strengthened their relationship later on because they already knew each other's quirks and ended up having the best of both worlds. 

2. Always clarify the difference between a break and a break up.

Perhaps the most dramatic break-up in all of Friends history was the feud between Ross and Rachel after Rachel became busy with her new job on their anniversary. The only problem was, Rachel wanted to take a break and Ross thought that meant she wanted to break up. I think we all know what happened next. What makes it worse is that the misunderstanding stopped them from being together again for a long time. 

3. Everything happens for a reason. 

Early on in the series, Phoebe fell head over heels for a scientist named David. The only problem was that he was being shipped off to Minsk indefinitely for a research project. Phoebe was heartbroken over this, but eventually found the guy she was really meant to be with -- Mike. Although Mike and David had to fight for Phoebe's affection, in the end, Phoebe finally got her happily ever after with Mike.

4. You need to want the same things in life. 

While things ended up working out for Monica in the end, it was hard to see her so heartbroken over Richard, her soulmate. While they were perfect together in every other aspect, when it came down to it, they both wanted different things. Monica wanted kids of her own, and Richard was already a grandfather. As heartbreaking as it was, their future plans just did not align, so they were not meant to be.

5. Your ex will always come back to haunt you.

Janice. The voice that makes any Friends fan cringe. While Chandler only dated Janice on and off around the beginning of the series, that didn't stop her from making an appearance just about every season after to make Chandler want to jump out of his pants. While Janice truly had Chandler's best interest at heart, she was just downright annoying. It just goes to show that your past mistakes never really go away. 

6. Don't rush into things.

The whole Ross-Emily thing should never have happened, at least not as hastily as they handled it. They only knew each other for six weeks before they got engaged and quickly married afterwards. The fact that Ross said "Rachel" instead of "Emily" at the altar only goes to show that he was not completely over Rachel and definitely was not ready to marry someone else yet. Plus, no one really liked Emily, anyway. 

7. Never date your friend's ex. 

Yet another bad relationship in the history of Friends was that really awkward time when Rachel and Joey dated. Nothing against Joey, but this shouldn't have ever happened. Rachel and Joey could have worked out, if it weren't for one thing: Ross. Rachel and Ross have way too much history for this ever to be okay. Everyone knows it is a huge no-no to go after your best friend's ex. I think this entire relationship proves that point. 

8. It's scary to commit, but worth it for the right person.

The day before Chandler was to wed Monica, he almost gets cold feet. The thought of getting married and having kids scared him to death. Chandler was always afraid of commitment, but Monica made him change his ways. Although he was scared, Chandler was able to see past his fears because he loved Monica and knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. They lived happily ever after, of course.

9. It is okay to be on your own.

And then there's Joey. While Joey was always a ladies man, he never really got past the first date with most of his girlfriends over the years. In the end, he is the only friend in the group who is not coupled off. I like the Joey factor, though. He proves again and again that you do not need to be in a relationship to be happy. Although he flies solo, he loves his friends more than anything and is always good for a laugh.  

10. You will always find your way back to your lobster.

The will, they won't -- back and forth throughout the series between Ross and Rachel ends in the best way possible. As Phoebe put it early on, Ross is Rachel's lobster. Through the ups and the downs, when they tried to move on, or even when they had baby Emma, they were meant for each other. Although it took until the very last episode for them to realize it, they had their happy ending after all. Soulmates exist. 

11. Sometimes, all you need are your friends.

Whether these six friends were falling in love or falling out of love, they always knew one thing for sure: they had each other. Sometimes, the most important people in your life are your friends. They are the ones that will always be there to hug you, whether you are having the best day of your life or the worst day of your life. The love of a good friend is unconditional, and is sure to last a lifetime.