Though Friends concluded almost twenty years ago, its style has inspired modern sitcoms like New Girl and How I Met Your Mother (and How I Met Your Father). And Friends itself continues to bring in new viewers to this day.
In the show, there were a lot of relationships that fans either loved or loved to hate. Though Phoebe and Mike's relationship wasn't able to get as much screen time as others, they had an adorable and inspiring love story. From Mike's first impressions to their early years of marriage, it's easy to see why they had an exceptional relationship.
Mike's First Impression
Mike (Paul Rudd) was first introduced to Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) on a blind date. After she discovered Joey lied about being friends with Mike, she was upset and was uncertain about pursuing any kind of relationship with him.
However, Mike was a soulful man who expressed his interest in Phoebe. It was important that he apologized to Phoebe for the lie. When he did things to impress her, like playing an imaginary piano, he really showed his interest in getting a second chance with her.
Mike's Rude Parents
One of the best episodes with Phoebe and Mike is when she goes to visit his parents. However, his parents are quite uppity and don't take kindly to Pheobe's quirky personality and difficult past.
Pheobe tried really hard to get them to like her, even going as far as to eat meat when she's a vegetarian. But the best thing about this episode was not her absurd behavior. Mike finally decides enough is enough and tells them that he loves Phoebe and doesn't care what they think. The moment was heartwarming because it was the first time they both admitted they loved each other.
Phoebe Chose Mike Over David
Phoebe Buffay teaches the audience a lot, but one important lesson from her is that you can't let the past get in the way of your happy future.
When her love interest David (Hank Azaria) from years ago, who she was quite infatuated with, comes back into the picture, she's a bit conflicted. However, she finally decides that she cares too much about Mike to give up their relationship for this flame. Their relationship is exceptional in a lot of ways, but especially since they're so infatuated with each other they don't allow the past to come between them.
They Don't Work Apart
Despite the fact that these two have a great relationship, they split up for months following a disagreement they had about marriage.
However, they can't seem to stay away from each other. Even when they are broken up, Phoebe and Mike need help from friends to keep them apart. Phoebe is a very confident character so it was shocking for the audience to see her so frazzled following their separation, even calling her current boyfriend David (who she reconnected with for a short time) by Mike's name. It was clear that separation was not working for these two.
Marriage After Divorces
Phoebe has gotten herself into some sticky situations, including the marriage of her first husband, Duncan, who she thought was gay. Mike was also a divorcee, who was particularly affected by his first failed marriage.
The reason why Mike and Phoebe split the first time they dated was that he didn't believe he should get married after his first divorce. However, as their separation doesn't work, it's satisfying for the audience to see him change his mind. Though Pheobe decides she wants marriage, it was really Mike who needed to see beyond his past and move forward with his current relationship.
Mike Flew to Barbados
After Phoebe begins dating David following the break-up with Mike, she was so convinced she wanted to happy marriage that she nearly got engaged to David during a trip to Barbosa.
Mike's best decision in their relationship is to fly all the way to Barbosa and convince her not to say yes to David. It was heartwarming for him to express how much he misses her and that he finally realized he could get married again if it was her he was marrying.
Pheobe Says No To Mike's First Proposal
Mike's trip to Barbados was particularly moving for the audience. However, it was also inspirational to see Phoebe say no when he proposes after stealing David's thunder.
Though they clearly loved each other, Phoebe didn't seem to find the need to rush into an engagement and a marriage. They were a good couple with a great future ahead of them, but Phoebe spoke words of wisdom when she told Mike that she wasn't looking for a proposal, she just wanted to know there was hope for their future together.
Looked Past Difficult Wedding Planning
There were some issues when Mike and Phoebe were planning their wedding, initially deciding on a small wedding. However, when Phoebe begins to wonder if she actually wants a big, extravagant wedding, things get a bit more complicated.
In the end, love perseveres. Despite the fact that everything seems to be going wrong with the planning, with Monica's crazy party planning and groomsmen drama, a blizzard is actually what fixes all of the tension. It was a satisfying moment to see them set up a wedding in the snow outside of Central Perks, not letting anything else get in the way of their day.
They Support Each Other
Though Phoebe's quirkiness makes Mike uncomfortable sometimes, they're always supportive of each other's desires, whether they like it or not.
One of the funniest episodes with Phoebe is after they get married and Phoebe changes her name to Princess Consuela Banana Hammock. Mike is extremely uncomfortable with the idea, but plays along with it, eventually changing his name to something ridiculous as well. It's cute to see these two playing along with their partner's crazy ideas.
How They Decide To Have Children
Pheobe and Mike are together for a little while without much talk about children. After Phoebe had to give birth to her brother's triplets and struggled to give them up, it was likely a touchy subject.
However, when Monica and Chandler adopt their twins, Mike and Phoebe decide they want to have a child now too. With the show reaching the end, it was a sweet ending to their love story in the series. While the fans didn't get too much of Mike and Pheobe compared to the other couples, they had a lot of potential by the conclusion of the series.