Welcome to The Friends Theory, the newsletter where we where we find real-life wisdom in fictional friendships. This week’s edition is coming to you from seat 14D, somewhere between New York and Detroit—and it’s about cheesecake.

3 min read

The One Where We Grab A Fork

Insights from “The One With All the Cheesecakes” (Season 7, Episode 11)

I’m writing this on a plane, coming home from a weekend that filled my cup completely.

I co-produced something meaningful. Celebrated a best friend’s birthday. Got surrounded by people I adore—laughing, working, dancing, and living until my cheeks hurt from smiling.

It was messy and magical and exactly what I needed.

And it reminded me of Chandler and his cheesecake:

It’s funny.
And also… kind of profound?

Because sometimes, joy is rare.
Even when you’re full—tired, overstimulated, overdue for sleep—there’s a part of you that says: stay here a little longer.
So you do.
And maybe you even grab another bite.

Later in the episode, that same cheesecake ends up on the hallway floor.
Do they toss it? Nope. They grab forks and eat it anyway. Zero shame. Pure joy. A little ridiculous.

Then Joey comes home, sits down on the step, pulls out his own fork and says:

Perfect.

Ever Been Here?

This weekend reminded me why I started this newsletter:

To connect. To share something real.
To bridge the gap when “in person” isn’t always possible.

Because maybe you’re craving that too.

We live in a world of optimized everything: productivity hacks, morning routines, curated calm.
Sometimes it helps.

The best moments don’t always look good on camera… but they make perfect sense when you’re in them.

Try This On

What fills your cup—not in theory, but for real?

Maybe it’s:

• A solo walk with the perfect playlist

• A group chat that always brings the chaos

• A slow meal with someone who really sees you

• A podcast that feels like a hug

For me this week, it was hugs. Loud conversations.
That feeling of “these are my people.”

This week: do one thing that fills your cup.
Even if it’s messy. Even if it doesn’t photograph well.

Trust the impulse. Grab the fork.
And if you’re full… but you’ll regret stopping?
Don’t stop. Savour it.

Some cheesecakes to go with your fork:

💌 From the Couch

No reader tip this week—just a quick thank you.
This newsletter? It’s basically me, on the floor, fork in hand, hoping someone else brought napkins.
Messy, real, better with company.

Final Thought

Sometimes growth looks like discipline and 5am workouts and perfectly organized calendars.

Other times, it looks like cheesecake on questionable carpet.
And people who know which fork is yours.
And the wisdom to know: you might be full… but you’re not done.

Both matter.
But this week? I’m choosing the cheesecake.

More hugs (and sitcom therapy) next Tuesday,
Lucy xx

Thanks for reading The Friends Theory. I appreciate you so much ❤️