There are tons of TV shows out there full of fictional relationships that fans either like or don't at all. One of the most well-known TV relationship is the one between Rachel Green and Ross Geller on Friends.
This television series is probably the most celebrated and popular of all time… but this relationship… not so much. Sure, many were glad they finally and actually ended up together, but all these years later, there are still plenty of people who are not. That being said, here are five reasons they shouldn’t have stayed together and five reasons to be in favor of this ‘ship!
Shouldn’t Have: They Had A Complicated History
Even people who have only seen a few episodes of this show know that Ross and Rachel had a complicated thing. He had a crush on her growing up, but they went their separate ways. She left a man at the altar, while his wife left him for someone else. They flirted, then they would get distracted by someone else.
They would admit their feelings for each other, then something would go wrong. If they were really meant to be, there would not have been so many back-and-forth complications, right?
In Favor: They Were Friends
Despite all of their ups and downs, these two were legitimate friends, though. Of course, that was the whole premise of the show, and this group is the definition of what true pals should be like and how to treat those close to us in life. No matter what, any of them would have done anything for each other, and they proved their love time after time.
This can be a beautiful foundation for a romantic relationship, so it was nice to see Ross and Rachel grow their bond into something more.
Shouldn’t Have: Rachel Dated Joey
But this brings up an opposing point… The seven main characters, Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Phoebe and Joey, were all best friends, and many of them dated and kissed. Everyone knows that friends and exes and siblings are off-limits, when it comes to dating, but so many lines were crossed here.
Rachel dated Joey, and she also kissed Chandler. And Ross knew that. And he was okay with it? Did it not cross his mind now and then, since this group was always together? Does this not support the decision that these two should not have gotten back together or ended up together?
In Favor: Ross Said Rachel’s Name
Once upon a time, Ross was going to get married to Emily Waltham, and since he and Rachel seemed to never be on the same page at the same time, Rachel realized then that she still loved him. She couldn’t ruin his big day, though, right?
Well, Ross messed it all up on his own; as true fans know, he said Rachel’s name during the wedding, instead of Emily’s. This was not ideal at the moment, but it did show off how much these two wanted to be together. Up there, in front of everyone, Ross declared his love for his one true love, and they eventually ended up together!
Shouldn’t Have: Ross Dated Jill
Speaking of Ross’ exes… He made out with Phoebe. He kissed Joey. And he dated Jill Green, one of Rachel's sisters! Yes, he ended it quickly, since he knew he would hurt his chances with Rachel... but still. Things at home were already weird, since Ross and Rachel kissed and dated other people in the main friend group, and then, every Green family gathering was going to be potentially awkward, thanks to this fact.
Did Jill ever brag about it during heated arguments? Did Ross ever wonder what could have been? Did Rachel resent her sister after all of that?
In Favor: They Got Married In Vegas
Another wedding happened in Las Vegas, after Rachel and Ross drank and ended up getting hitched. In the end, they had to get a divorce, but this moment actually supports the stance that these two should have definitely come together, when all was said and done. Isn’t that what happens in all the great rom-com films?
Adult beverages lead to decisions that two people act like they are upset about, but then they actually realize that they are in love. Then, they have this crazy story about a Vegas wedding, plus, most of the time, a real fairy-tale wedding, as well.
Shouldn’t Have: Ross Was Married To/Had Children With Several Other Women
There are a few more instances from Ross’ past that need to be brought up… As mentioned, he was married to Emily. He was married to Carol. He was in serious relationships with people who were not Rachel, like Julie. He also had a child with Carol, who married Susan, who was not a real fan of Ross.
That being said, those who are against Ross and Rachel being together can remember all of these other interesting details and think about how complicated and annoying it all could have been for Rachel!
In Favor: They Had A Daughter
On the other hand, Ross and Rachel had a child together, too. As fans know, they slept together while getting invitations ready for Monica and Chandler's wedding, which led to Emma. Sure, not everyone who has had children together remains together forever. Not even close!
However, this bonded them and gave them one more huge and important reason to try and make it work. They created this beautiful being, and they wanted to give her the best life possible. And that is certainly a reason to be in favor of this relationship.
Shouldn’t Have: They Were On A Break
The last point regarding why these two should not have been together is easy: They were on a break! Or where they? One of the most known episodes of Friends involves Rachel saying that the two should take a break. Ross thinks this means they are broken up, so he sleeps with someone else. After Rachel finds out, the fight grows and grows, and some people still are not sure if they were on a break or not.
Communication and trust are two of the most important aspects in any relationship. If these two were not clear and if their arguing led to decisions like those, then that does not sound like a healthy or successful thing.
In Favor: They Realized They Were Truly In Love
However, Ross and Rachel really were truly in love. Towards the end of the season, Rachel could have even moved to Paris for a new job, but she did not want to be without the love of her life. And time after time, these two did make decisions where they put their love life first.
Not every tale is a happily-ever-after one, but these two did it. They made it. They beat the odds and ended wrong relationships and made a baby and stayed together. So, it is time to accept that and support Rachel and Ross… together!