Why Phoebe Buffay Is The Best Friend | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Why Phoebe Buffay Is The Best Friend

She'll be there for you.

87
Why Phoebe Buffay Is The Best Friend
Bustle.com

If you live in America in the 21st century, it is more likely than not that you have seen at least one episode of Friends. As for me, I've seen each episode no less than a few dozen times. I started watching when I was young and would sit in the living room while my parents were watching TV, and I eventually got the DVDs and watched the whole series from start to finish. Although as the sarcastic, awkward, self-deprecating one of the group I identify as a Chandler Bing, I have also always had a soft spot for another character: Phoebe Buffay. Chandler may be the fan favorite, but Phoebe is unequivocally the best character on the show, and here are a few reasons why:

1. She's not afraid to admit that she doesn't have it all figured out.


As an independent massage therapist, Phoebe is typically the least financially stable of the Friends, but this doesn't stop her from maintaining her positive disposition. Even when she gets her license revoked for questionable massage tactics, she readily admits her mistake and is still totally able to face the world.

2. She's multi-talented.


Not only is Phoebe a massage therapist, but she is also a singer-songwriter who accompanies herself on the guitar. Sure, her songs sound more like adult versions of The Wiggles, but what true 90s kid can't recite the words to "Smelly Cat" by heart?

3. She has an awesome sense of style.


Phoebe's fashion sense is...unique, to say the least. Pigtails are always an option, pretty much any combination of colors works and accessories made out of pom-poms are commonplace. She even makes her own shoes!

4. She's funny when she doesn't mean to be.


Sure, she's no Chandler Bing--but that doesn't mean she isn't just as hilarious. Instead of having a dry, witty sense of humor or making fun of her friends all the time, Phoebe's own genuine musings are often what get the laughs. This sort of honest humor makes for a very charming individual and a great friend.

5. She survived a horrific childhood.


Phoebe alludes to her troubled background many times throughout the series. We learn that after her mother (who turns out to have adopted her at birth) kills herself, Phoebe lives on the streets for many years before presumably moving in with Monica and getting a job as a masseuse. Despite having such a terrible upbringing, Phoebe still remains the most positive out of the group and seems to have adopted the "what doesn't kill me makes me stronger" mantra very well.

6. She's a humanitarian.


Whether she's collecting donations for Salvation Army on Christmas day, giving money to the homeless, or donating to PBS even though she hates them, Phoebe always finds a way to bring happiness to those less fortunate than her. She is also an ethical vegetarian so animal rights are clearly important to her as well.

7. She's spontaneous.


Phoebe is down for pretty much any adventure at any time of the day. She even renamed herself "Princess Consul Bananahammock" on a whim!

8. She's selfless.


If the characters from Friends really existed, Phoebe would be your most loyal friend who always has your back no matter what. She always finds ways to help her friends and family in small ways, like trying to teach Joey French, or in big ways, like being a surrogate for her half-brother whom she didn't even grow up with.

9. She can stand up for herself.


Even though she may seem soft on the outside, Phoebe can stand up for herself when she has to. She learned how to take care of herself on the street and brings that strength into her everyday life. She may be sweet, but she is no pushover.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1837
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 14 Stages Of The Last Week Of Class

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1178
black marker on notebook

December... it's full of finals, due dates, Mariah Carey, and the holidays. It's the worst time of the year, but the best because after finals, you get to not think about classes for a month and catch up on all the sleep you lost throughout the semester. But what's worse than finals week is the last week of classes, when all the due dates you've put off can no longer be put off anymore.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 20 Thoughts College Students Have During Finals

The ultimate list and gif guide to a college student's brain during finals.

346
winter

Thanksgiving break is over and Christmas is just around the corner and that means, for most college students, one hellish thing — finals week. It's the one time of year in which the library becomes over populated and mental breakdowns are most frequent. There is no way to avoid it or a cure for the pain that it brings. All we can do is hunker down with our books, order some Dominos, and pray that it will all be over soon. Luckily, we are not alone in this suffering. To prove it, here are just a few of the many deranged thoughts that go through a college student's mind during finals week.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

28 Daily Thoughts of College Students

"I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever else invented copy and paste. Thank you."

1764
group of people sitting on bench near trees duting daytime

I know every college student has daily thoughts throughout their day. Whether you're walking on campus or attending class, we always have thoughts running a mile a minute through our heads. We may be wondering why we even showed up to class because we'd rather be sleeping, or when the professor announces that we have a test and you have an immediate panic attack.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments