Jim and Pam are known for being one of the best and most romantic couples in the history of television. While they had many endearing moments over the nine seasons of The Office, there were also things about their relationship that made fans confused. As time has gone on, more people have pointed out the issues with their relationship.
There are things about this couple that would likely have been handled differently if The Office was created today instead of starting 15-years-ago.
That Jim Wasn’t As Involved Of A Parent As Pam
Jim and Pam have two children together: Cece and Phillip. While Jim does care a lot about his kids and is a good parent in many ways, he’s not nearly as involved as Pam. It’s made clear that Pam is the primary caregiver and that Jim is more focused on his career. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, these two likely would have split these responsibilities more if the shoe was made today.
Jim Didn’t Ask Pam If He Could Kiss Her The First Time
The very first time that Pam and Jim kiss it’s during the Casino Night being held at the warehouse. While it’s clear that Pam also wants to kiss him, he doesn’t really ask if she wants to first. Luckily, Pam was into the kiss, but if she hadn’t been, things would have played out differently. If the show was more current, they likely would have been more aware of these concerns surrounding consent.
The Fact That Pam Quit School To Be Near Her Man
One of the best things about Pam and Jim’s relationship at first is that Jim is so supportive of Pam’s goals and wishes when Roy never was. He encourages her to go to art school in New York even though it means a long-distance relationship. However, when Pam doesn’t pass all of her classes, she ends up quitting in order to be near Jim. Given how long Pam built up to even going, it was disappointing that she didn’t follow through.
The Way Jim Treated Other Women Was Excused
While Jim might have treated Pam well, for the most part, he was a pretty bad boyfriend to the other women he tried to date. Because he always was really in love with Pam, he could be dismissive and cold to other women.
He broke up with Katy on the booze cruise abruptly and then broke up with Karen in a similarly abrupt way. He should have at least treated them with more respect.
Pam Not Being Honest With Jim About Her Feelings
Pam’s character development on The Office is largely centered around her growing into her self-confidence and being honest with herself. However, early on, she isn’t honest with herself or anyone. She clearly has a thing for Jim, but she won’t admit to it. Then, after they kiss, she still tells him she’s going to marry Roy, and then doesn’t even tell Jim when she breaks up with Roy.
The Way Jim Didn’t Stand Up For Pam When She Was Harassed
The women of Dunder Mifflin had to put up with a lot of harassment, and Pam often got the worst of it. She endured many comments on her appearance, and some of these comments were definitely sexual harassment. Jim heard this happen over and over, and he never said anything about it or tried to get it to stop. This entire dynamic wouldn't fly today.
Jim Buying A House Without Telling Pam
One issue with their relationship that many fans have pointed out was how Jim would make big decisions without even consulting Pam. He ended up buying his parents’ home with the intent of making it his new home with Pam, but he didn’t even ask for her opinion. This was a huge decision to make without asking your partner, and it would come across as little sexist today.
That Pam Didn’t Stick Up For Herself Very Much
At first, Jim and Pam’s relationship seemed like a great thing for Pam because Jim cared more about her thoughts and feelings than Roy. While he did care more, Pam still didn’t seem to be able to completely express herself.
This is made clear in the last season when Pam struggles to tell Jim her emotions and what she wants because she doesn’t want to upset him.
When Jim Wasn’t As Firm With Telling Cathy 'No' As He Should Have Been
One of the most obnoxious storylines on the series was when Cathy kept trying to sleep with Jim. It wasn’t really funny, and it was too stereotypical and sexist. While Jim didn’t seem interested, the way he let her just hang out in his hotel room and sleep in his bed was really weird. He should have just been an adult and told her she needed to leave and that she was harassing him.
Jim Starting A New Business Without Telling Pam
While Jim buying a house without Pam was bad enough, this kind of behavior was even worse when he started a new business and made future plans for their family without her agreeing. He went full-steam ahead with his dreams while leaving her behind to just go along with what he wanted. This isn’t a good relationship dynamic, and it definitely would make him seem like a jerk if it happened today.