Warning: If you're in the early seasons of "Parks and Recreation," this article contains spoilers.
If you're a big "Parks and Recreation" fan, then you probably absolutely adore the main character, Leslie Knope. You probably also adore her relationship with Ben Wyatt and love watching them grow together. You might have hated Ben at first, but that's OK, because we all grew to love him — even Tom and April did.
Leslie and Ben's relationship is perhaps the cutest ever. So here are 17 times Ben and Leslie were the real #relationshipgoals.
1. When they grew to be friends first.
Late in season two, Ben Wyatt appears for the first time as a budget auditor with the always-positive Chris Traeger. At first, Leslie isn't a huge fan of Ben, because he represents a threat to her beloved Parks and Recreation Department. Soon, though, Leslie learns that she has to make the best of the situation, and she befriends Ben after drunkenly yelling at him.
2. When they both liked each other, but neither would admit anything.
After the two grew to be friends, it was pretty obvious that both of them were into each other. They flirted like the huge dorks they were (and are — see photo above.) Leslie talked about her feelings with Ann, and Ben even attempted to check out Jerry's topless painting of Greek goddess Diaphena, which was totally inspired by Leslie.
3. When they finally got together for the first time.
Again, spoiler alert. After a super steamy trip to Indianapolis, the two kissed for the first time. Leslie and Ben began their secret relationship. All of us squealed like little girls and it was almost as great as JJ's waffles.
4. When they were an amazing team.
From the Harvest Festival to the Knope 2012 campaign, these two have always made the best team ever. They come up with fantastic ideas, feed off of each other's energies and balance each other's weaknesses. No wonder they later made amazing parents.
5. When Ben put Leslie's dreams before his own desires.
When Ben and Leslie were together the first time, Leslie was given the opportunity to run for office. She knew that her secret relationship with Ben would be poison to her campaign, so instead of breaking up with him, she just avoided telling him altogether. Ben secretly knew, though, and told Leslie she should run. *sobbing noises*
6. When they couldn't be apart anyway.
After their first break-up, Leslie and Ben struggled to be apart. They eventually meet at the Smallest Park, where Leslie tells Ben that she can't stand being away from him. The two re-unite, we cry again and they later face a trial for their secret relationship.
7. When Ben sacrificed his job for Leslie.
During the trial, it looked like Leslie might lose her position as deputy director of the Parks Department. Everyone was shocked when she only received a two week paid suspension from work, but it turned out it was because Ben had taken all the blame and stepped down from his Assistant City Manager position. *cue more tears*
8. When they said "I love you" for the first time.
After the trial, Leslie learned about Ben's noble deed and found out that he confessed his love for her on the record. Leslie dragged court stenographer, Ethel Beavers, out in the snow to do the same for Ben and we all cried happy tears again.
9. When Ben came home from DC with a surprise.
After Leslie's campaign, Ben goes to DC to run a Congressional Campaign for a seat in Ohio. Between all this, Leslie is looking for a home for the two to buy together, and learns that he might be gone a little longer, so she goes to the home to back out. Instead, Ben surprises her with the most beautiful proposal.
10. When they just couldn't wait to get married.
Months before their actual wedding date, Ben and Leslie decide they should be married at a Gala for the Pawnee Commons. Ann fixes Leslie's unfinished dress with newspaper clippings, Ron makes the rings, and Councilman Jamm ruins the evening with a stink bomb. But wait...
11. When their friends put together a surprise wedding.
After Ron gets out of jail for punching Jamm, he and Leslie stop by the office, where Ben and friends have set up the most adorable wedding. Such true and impatient love is what everyone wants, right?
12. Anytime that Leslie ever complimented Ben.
While most of her forward compliments are reserved for Ann, the ones that Leslie gives to Ben are the ones that all of us want our spouses to say.
13. When they went to prom together... in their forties.
Because who doesn't want to have their husband say yes when they're asked to attend senior prom 20+ years after high school graduation?
14. Anytime they said, "I love you and I like you."
This catch phrase is what makes these two Ben and Leslie, and it's just so sweet that we all secretly want to throw it into our own wedding vows.
15. When Leslie made Ben make his stupid surprise face.
For their anniversary, Ben is determined to surprise Leslie — who, of course, is busy with official Parks/City Council business. The next day, Leslie surprises Ben with a giant Game of Thrones "Iron Throne" and he makes the face pictured above.
16. When Ben stood up for Leslie.
During Ben's 2018 Congressional campaign, Leslie takes a lot of heat. Like the great husband he is, Ben stands up for her and allows her to stand up for herself just as well. Everyone wants their S/O to stick up for them when they need it.
17. When they had their own special place.
The wildflower mural that they both love so much is so touching and tugs on all of our hearts. It's just the kind of thing that makes us all say, "Ugh, #relationshipgoals."
Ben and Leslie, we love you and we like you.
