Jim and Pam get a lot of credit for being the main couple on NBC's The Office. Their potential love story was established in the first episode and fans wondered who Pam was going to choose between Jim or Roy. However, there's another couple in The Office that deserves just as much credit and notoriety as Jim and Pam, and that's Dwight and Angela.
But before Dwight and Angela had their happily ever after, the cat-loving accountant had a serious relationship with Andy Bernard. Angela had a hard time picking between the two men. While both had their downfalls, they also had their strengths when it came to wooing Angela. Keep reading to see what each salesman brought to their relationship with Angela.
Dwight: He And Angela Have A Long History
Andy didn't transfer to Scranton until the third season, which means Angela and Dwight could have been hooking up or dating for years before she even met Andy. But by the fourth season, Angela and Dwight broke up after he killed her cat, and she began dating Andy. For Andy, it was hard to date a woman when her former lover worked a few desks away. Even if Angela really did fall for Andy's charms, it's hard to blow out a flame like Angela and Dwight's.
Andy: Was Incredibly Patient With Angela
Dwight can be an understanding and patient man when he wants to be, but he sometimes failed to do so when he dated Angela. Andy, on the other hand, was incredibly patient with her. When his anger issues weren't a problem, Andy took his time and made sure Angela knew she was his top priority — which she loved.
When Andy proposed to Angela, they were barely sleeping together and yet he still had hope for their romance. He also planned a majority of their wedding, which was painful because Angela's list of demands seemed to be impossible.
Dwight was a good man to Angela, but he was too forceful at times. At that point in her life, she needed to be catered and listened to, which is what Andy did.
Dwight: He And Angela Have The Same Parenting Techniques
Angela and Dwight are both strict adults who were raised by rigid disciplinarians. Viewers learned this in the episode "Take Your Daughter to Work Day" in the second season. With everyone's kids in Dunder Mifflin's office, Angela dropped a hint to Dwight that she wouldn't mind having two well-behaved boys. Dwight furthers her sentiment by putting Meredith's son in his place after he insults half the office, and future couple two share a knowing smile. Andy's upbringing appears to be completely different from Angela's and it's hard to imagine them being on the same page about anything.
Later the series, Angela helps Dwight bathe and dress his aunt and he sees the potential mother of his children in action, which was oddly sweet.
Andy: Encouraged Her Passions
Dwight never seemed to be fond of Angela's cats because they don't offer him anything. As a farmer, if an animal doesn't give him milk or meat, he doesn't have use for them.
Angela, however, treated her cats like they were her own children. Unlike Dwight, Andy encouraged Angela's passions like her love for pets and the Party Planning Committee. He helped get an ice sculpture for an office party (without being asked) and even gifted her a cat after Dwight killed Sprinkles.
Dwight: Literally Bore Angela A Child
Angela denied that Philip was Dwight's son until the end of the ninth season after her marriage to the senator had crumbled. In another world, if Angela and Andy got back together after her divorce from the senator, it would have been very hard for Andy to accept that he would be the step-father of Dwight Schrute's son. With Dwight as Angela's son's father, it only made sense for them to pick up where they left off before the senator (and Andy) came into the picture.
Andy: Brings Out The Good In Angela
Angela is cold and stern in the office, but we do see a glimmer of happiness in her eyes in a few scenes. Thanks to Andy's patience, he slowly brings out the good in her. They do crosswords together, they talk about cats, and he does anything that she would find endearing to keep the relationship strong. Besides sleeping with Dwight on the down low, Angela seemed to be in a good place when she was with Andy.
Dwight's tyrannical behavior in the office brought out a competitive and judgmental nature in Angela while Andy brought out a sense of normalcy we rarely see in her.
Dwight: He And Angela Never Really Ended
Even when Dwight and Angela weren't dating or sleeping together, they were never really done. They still shared knowing glances and exhibited subtle hints of jealousy when they both seemed interested in other people.
After the birth of Pam and Jim's daughter, Dwight and Angela came to an agreement that they would have a child together even though they weren't an item. A contract was put in place and the two had several attempts to try and reproduce. This proves how much trust these two had in each other and the close bond they shared when they were "just friends."
Andy: Becomes The Manager Angela Always Wanted To Be Attached To
Let's face it — Angela is attracted to power. She loved when Dwight took charge at work, she married a senator, and before Andy became the regional manager of Dunder Mifflin Scranton, he was the top salesman at the Stamford branch.
Dwight had his shining moments as regional manager, but the title was quickly taken away from him when it went to his head. Andy, on the other hand, had all the makings of a manager; he just needed the right opportunity. If Andy became the manager while he and Angela were still dating, there's no doubt he would have become her dream man.
Dwight: Quit Dunder Mifflin To Save Angela's Job
It doesn't get more romantic than when your undercover boyfriend quits his job to protect your job and your relationship. That's what Dwight did when he ran an errand for Angela that could have gotten Scranton in a lot of trouble. Thanks to Dwight driving two hours to and from New York to drop off tax forms on her behalf, Scranton was in the clear. Unfortunately for Dwight, Michael thought he was doing something shady and gave him until the end of the day to come clean. Instead, Dwight packed his bags and left.
Andy: His Proposal Was Incredibly Romantic
It may have seemed odd to Office fans that Andy proposed so early in his and Angela's relationship, but he chose the perfect time to do it. Heck, even Jim felt inspired to propose to Pam that night! With his parents and their co-workers huddled around watching the fireworks, Andy shared his love and devotion to Angela and proposed to her. While her answer was sullen, she wouldn't have accepted if she didn't see potential in the relationship.