The Office is so timeless because of the character relationships they created. Jim and Pam, Jim and Dwight, Dwight and Pam, Michael and Pam, Michael and Jim, Michael and Dwight, Erin and Michael, Erin and Andy. The list goes on and on, but it usually sticks to a specific rotation of characters. All the main stars who sit at the same desk clump around reception.
Move one desk clump over and you'll find what is arguably the best friendship of any other in the office—Stanley and Phyllis. While their relationship does not get the screen time that these others do, that's mostly because there was no drama to be had. But more on that later. Let's dig right into the ten times Stanley and Phyllis were friendship goals.
Stinky Perfume
When Scranton absorbs Stamford branch, the folks around the Office have some acclimations to make. One of which does not sit well with Stanley Hudson.
Complaints are made about Phyllis's "stinky perfumes," but she refuses to give in. At which points Stanley stands up for his friend and desk clump mate, saying, "I don't know who these new people think they are; I've sat downwind of Phyllis's stinky perfumes for years...never said a word." What a good friend.
They Never Fought
This isn't one time, but many, many times. Or rather, no times. Of all the relationships mentioned above and plenty more not mentioned, there was always some tension. Rather because of close proximity, or because of differing views, or for plenty of stupid reasons that probably didn't deserve any tension at all. But for Phyllis and Stanley, there was never any fighting. There was never any need for Phyllis to get Bob Vance, Vance Refrigeration involved and never any reason for Stanley to smart off as he did with so many other characters.
Well, except for Pretzel Day.
Couples Discount
The only other time where there might have been some hint of annoyance is also one time that shines as proof of just how close they were. Kind of like those grandparents that care so much about each other but joke about how sick of each other they are.
When the mall is offering a couples discount at a spa, Stanley immediately volunteers to pretend to be Phyllis's husband, saying he's already tired of her so it'll be accurate. But the fact that Stanely was so quick to volunteer indicated that he didn't want to get stuck with anyone else, plus he wanted to ensure that Phyllis got her discount.
The Mask
On one particular Halloween, Stanley decides to defy all odds and dresses up with what appeared to be a Swamp creature mask. He's sitting there at his desk among the rest of the costumes, and people take notice. However, before he can be woken up and asked about his previous policy of hating Halloween, Phyllis intervenes and tells them he's napping under his mask, and to not disturb him.
What better friend move than protecting the sanctity of a good nap? Well done, Phyllis.
Covering For Jim
When Jim takes his new job in Philly, he has to make certain uncomfortable requests from his coworkers—mainly Phyllis and Stanley, who he guarantees David Wallace will cover for him while he's away from the office. Of course, he makes that guarantee with their approval and thus has to win over their help.
He takes them out to dinner and the two become the prankers, taking advantage of Jim's desperation to score more wine, steak, and shrimp than they should probably be consuming in a week, let alone a day. But in the end, as they nap in the back of Jim's car, leaving him feeling frustrated and hopeless, they agree to help him. As friends do.
They Never Got Sick Of Each Other
Another non-specific moment, but it must be mentioned nonetheless. Working in close confines with other human beings can be tense. Just look at how many times Andy punched a hole in the wall, or how many creative ways Dwight had to come up with to relieve his frustration. But for Phyllis and Stanley, they sat across from each other for at least a decade, probably much more, and never got sick of each other. That is some kind of friendship goals right there.
Terri And Cynthia
At Pam and Jim's wedding, Stanley brings his mistress, Cynthia. The two are walking behind Phyllis, who's wearing a hat with more than a few feathers and the feathers keep hitting Stanley in the face. When Stanley comments about the feathers, Phyllis turns around and quips that Terri, Stanley's wife, loved the hat. And of course, she says it loud enough for Cynthia to hear.
It doesn't escalate from there, though, meaning that this was just some good old-fashioned friendly banter. And only the best of friends can banter. Especially about affairs and mistresses.
The Dance
While a lot of Phyllis and Stanley's friendship is predicated on an unspoken fondness and respect, there was a rare moment at Dwight and Angela's wedding when They both admitted to something that everyone kind of knew and assumed, but had never been said out loud.
While dancing together, smiling wider than either (at least Stanley) had ever smiled before, they both admit to how much they missed each other during Stanley's retirement.
Stanley 2.0
Stanley finally gets his wish and retires to Florida. Which is good for him, but undoubtedly tough on Phyllis, who has to get used to a new desk clump mate sitting across from her. In the one interaction we see between the new addition and Phyllis, he is complimenting her brownies and admitting that he's going to get fat if he keeps working there.
Phyllis smiles deviously. That was her plan all along. If she can't have Stanley sitting there, she might as well do her best to create another Stanley.
The Bird
One of the best and most underrated parts of The Office. It happened at Dwight and Angela's wedding. Stanley comes back from his retirement in Florida and tells us about his new hobby of whittling birds from the end of his dock. But it's not just birds he whittles, it's also strange half-birds half-Phyllis's that, while certainly more than a little odd, is also adorable. Stanley thinks enough about Phyllis and respects her enough that he used his whittling time to create her and then take it to Pennsylvania to give it to her. You just can't beat that.