The Big Bang Theory may have centered on the relationship between Penny and Leonard, and later, Amy and Sheldon, but by far one of the most relatable relationships from the series is Howard and Bernadette's. Howard and Bernadette didn't seem like the perfect match right off the bat, but their love for each other ultimately won fans over.
Howard and Bernadette grow together over the course of the series and their bond also gets stronger as they reach milestones together. The couple may have their disagreements, but their relationship proves to be one of the most relatable from the series.
Proving Each Other Wrong
Despite the pair getting along in many aspects of their relationship, they also like to prove each other wrong and keep each other on their toes. In episode 15 of season 12, Bernadette goes above and beyond to prove Howard wrong by joining him, Raj, and Anu as they ride the Vomit Comet. Bernadette hates the entire experience but still follows through with it just to prove Howard wrong, ultimately creating one of the funniest scenes for her character.
This moment is something that all couples can relate to because it shows the competitive nature that all couples feel sometimes. This also makes Howard and Bernadette because their silly bickering reminds many couples of their own moments where they work to prove each other wrong.
Strong Communication
Howard and Bernadette may have some big disagreements in the series, but they also communicate extremely well. Howard and Bernadette both have fulfilling careers while also trying to balance their growing family. Because of their ability to communicate with each other, they are able to accomplish all the things they want to.
Howard and Bernadette's communication makes them relatable because they speak to each other as real couples do. They also try to help give advice, solve problems, and give each other room to talk through what makes them upset. The couple's communication style is realistic for viewers because Howard and Bernadette go through realistic struggles and ultimately come together to make good decisions.
Joking With Each Other
Like many couples, Howard and Bernadette spend a lot of their time teasing each other. Whether it's making jokes about each other's height or horrible habits, they form a close bond when they burn each other. Even though the couple loves to joke with each other, Bernadette admits to Penny that she doesn't understand a lot of Howard's jokes but still laughs because it makes him light up.
Every couple has moments where they can be silly with each other, and Howard and Bernadette show that in a way each viewer can relate to. Even though the couple may not always understand each other's jokes, they still find a way to make the other person feel special, ultimately putting the relationship's happiness first.
Overcoming Difficulties Together
Howard and Bernadette face many challenges during the series, but their relationship drastically helps them overcome their difficulties. When Howard's mother passed away, Bernadette stood by his side and helped him through the mourning process. This moment shows that Howard can rely on Bernadette when times are difficult and that Bernadette truly cares about Howard.
Because of their ability to overcome difficulties together, Howard and Bernadette further solidify that they are a relatable couple. Couples are meant to stand by each other and face difficult moments together, and Howard and Bernadette's ability to support each other makes them a fantastic pairing.
Fears Of Being Good Parents
After Bernadette finds out she is pregnant and tells Howard, he immediately panics and thinks that he is going to be a bad dad. He confides in Bernadette and realizes that he is going to be a good dad because he cares so much. Bernadette also becomes insecure about her ability to be a good mother, but Howard is there to help her regain her confidence and Bernadette realizes she can be a great mother, too.
These moments of doubt make Howard and Bernadette relatable because many couples that have children go through feelings of insecurity at being the best parents they can be. Howard and Bernadette's fear of being good parents makes them seem like a real couple and helps them to develop a deeper connection with each other.
Building Each Other Up
Despite teasing each other, Howard and Bernadette also build each other up in the series. After he starts his relationship with Bernadette, Howard becomes a better version of himself and truly wants to be a great partner for Bernadette. Bernadette also flourishes in their relationship and comes out of her shell when she is with Howard.
This also helps the couple be more relatable than the others on TBBT because they truly like watching each other succeed and want nothing but the best for each other. Howard and Bernadette also become the main pair that other members of the group go to when they need advice or help, which further means that they are willing to build up their friends as well as each other.
Supporting Each Other
Howard and Bernadette also support each other often over the course of their relationship. Howard supports Bernadette while she is working at the Cheesecake factory while earning her Ph.D. in microbiology. Bernadette supports Howard after she gets a cutthroat job at a pharmaceutical company after getting her Ph.D., which ultimately helps to support their family later in life.
Howard and Bernadette's relationship is strong because the couple supports each other in good and bad times. Howard and Bernadette also have a knack for helping out their friends when they are in need of support, namely Raj and Stuart. This further helps the couple be relatable because they would do whatever they could for their relationship and to maintain strong friendships.
Realistic Fights
Every couple fights from time to time, and the fights between this couple are realistic. After Bernadette begins to question her marriage to Howard after a video posted by Wil Wheaton, Howard goes to her and explains that he used to not like himself at all before being with Bernadette. Ultimately Bernadette realizes that they are meant to be and forgives him.
Howard and Bernadette's fights are realistic to viewers because they are things that real couples commonly argue about. Howard and Bernadette are both characters with strong personalities, which means they can clash from time to time. However, their ability to overcome their differences and stay strong in their relationship also help viewers see them as a relatable couple.
Howard's Romantic Gestures
One of the sweetest things that makes Howard and Bernadette's relationship so relatable is Howard's romantic gestures towards Bernadette. He gets her a star necklace and takes it to space with him so she can have an actual star from outer space, and he plays her a sweet song on their anniversary while she is quarantined.
Howard started off the series as an overbearing flirt who only tries to hook up with multiple women. However, his relationship with Bernadette changes Howard and he proves that by showering her with romance in the series. These gestures are lovely, but also not so over the top that they would make the couple unrealistic.
Hitting Relationship Milestones
From their first awkward date to raising their children, Howard and Bernadette were the first of the couples in the series to face multiple milestones before the other couples.
Howard and Bernadette meeting these relationship milestones is another pivotal thing that makes them a relatable couple because many couples go through these milestones. Howard and Bernadette were married first out of all TBBT couples and they also had a family before the other couples. Despite their rocky beginnings, they proved to be the most relatable couple and were living happily ever after long before the series ended.