"TV Couples Who Make Love Look Painful"

TV couples populate the boob tube (with, let’s face it, way more boobs than are necessary these days) and there are always things to be learned about love from the pairs who show up on some of the most popular television shows. Here are three well-known couples (past and present) that can teach us a few dating lessons.  

Meredith and Derek, Grey's Anatomy
Love me. Pick me. Choose me. Meredith told Derek she wanted him in no uncertain terms. And want her he did, but alas, he was married… to a woman who cheated on him with his best friend. TV makes relationship dramas look so good, so sarcastic and manageable if you have best friends who are more interested in distracting you with blood and guts talk than consoling you over the one you love. But a love triangle in real life? Heartbreaking!

The takeaway: If someone is married, stay away until they get their act together and let you know they’re available. Don’t lay down ultimatums in relationships unless you’re prepared to hear, accept, and cope with the less desirable outcome.

Ross and Rachel, Friends
I love you. Finally! Let’s be together. No let’s not. Let’s break up. Oh wait, I’m pregnant. Talk about a relationship of mixed signals! While Ross and Rachel’s first kiss was heard round the world once the two finally got themselves together, you gotta admit, this was some serious, long, drawn-out, just-get-a-clue-and-do-it-already suspense! But just because two people are “perfect” for each other that doesn’t mean they’re meant to be together forever… at least in this case.

The takeaway: Is your true love in your closest group of friends? Sometimes the person we know best is the one we’re meant to be with. Take a look at your confidantes and buddies to see if you’re missing out on the potential for love.

Jim and Pam, The Office
Coworkers. Guy in love with girl. Girl engaged to someone else. Guy keeps his distance. Girl thinks of guy as her “best friend.” Guy finally professes his love. Girl turns guy down. Lots of stuff in between, including girl breaking up with fiancé and guy getting a different girlfriend. Finally, they get together. It’s way more interesting and awkward and cute in the series than how we’ve just described it – but suffice it to say, love isn’t always an easy road, and sometimes the person who’s right in front of you can be exactly who you’ve been in search of all along.

The takeaway: The office can sometimes be a place where more happens than just getting a paycheck and punching a clock. After all, you spend most of your waking hours at the office – is there anyone there who is meant to be your Jim or Pam?

These TV couples are only three of the small-screen pairings who teach love lessons (good and not-so-good). We could comment on couples like Homer and Marge Simpson, any of the Desperate Housewives and their partners, even go as far back and Lucy and Desi Arnaz, or talk about the crazy ups-and-downs of Sammi and Ronnie from The Jersey Shore.

The ultimate message remains the same: take your TV couples with a grain of salt. The moves they make are great for entertainment purposes – but how easily would you swallow any of their relationship screw-ups? Rather than emulate, learn from them and keep it in perspective. We’re happy to help.

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