Welcome to The Friends Theory, the newsletter where we overthink sitcom moments to make sense of real life.

This week, we’re taking wisdom from an unlikely guru: Joey Tribbiani. Because sometimes, the thing you’re overthinking?
It’s just a cow’s opinion.
It’s moo.

3 min read

The One Where It’s Just MOO

 Insights from "The One Where Chandler Doesn’t Like Dogs" (Season 7, Episode 8)

“Have I been living with him too long, or did that all just make sense?”
 —Rachel Green, after Joey explains why her Tag-crush spiral might not matter

Joey may not be the king of nuance, but when Rachel was overthinking whether Tag liked her, he dropped a line that has quietly become one of the greatest accidental truths in TV history:

“It’s like a cow’s opinion. It doesn’t matter…it’s moo.”

Simple. Chaotic. Weirdly accurate.

Ever Been Here?

This week I saw a photo of some people I’ve worked with in various jobs — all tagged in a project together.

And I paused.

Did I come up?
What would they say if I did?
Were they kind, neutral… or something else entirely?

Not a meltdown — just one of those quick, sinking thoughts that snowball if you let them.

But then Joey’s line popped into my head:

"It's a cow's opinion. It's moo."

Even if they were talking about me… it changes nothing.

And that realisation? It was freeing.

Why Joey Was (Accidentally) Right

Joey nailed something important:
Not everything deserves your mental energy.

Some thoughts are just cows in a field. Mooing.
You hear them… but you don’t have to pet them, chase them, or write a Notes app response to them.

Like:

• The friend who never replies

• The person from school who watches your stories but never likes anything

• The stranger on the internet who made that comment

• The voice in your head dressed like your Year 10 nemesis

And plot twist:

And if they are judging you?

Let them.

That’s Mel Robbins’ “Let Them” theory — Joey’s “moo” with neuroscience and boundaries.

Their opinions don’t get to steer your life… unless you hand them the wheel.

Try This On

Next time your mind starts building a case against you, pause and ask:

Is this real? Or is this just moo?

Because honestly, half the battles we fight in our heads are entirely fictional.

We’re out here defending ourselves… to cows.

Not Everything Is Moo

Let’s be clear — some opinions do matter:

• Feedback from people you trust

• Advice you asked for

• Conversations with people who truly know your story

The difference is source and intention.

Your best friend pointing out a blind spot? Listen.
Someone vague-posting about “some people”? Moo.

Some tools to help you let the moo go:

💌 From the Couch

 A reader reply that hit me right in the heart (thanks Diania!):

Still one of the best reframes I’ve ever stumbled into.

Got a tip? Hit reply and send it my way. I’d love to feature your brilliance on this little couch corner.

Final Thought

Sometimes the most lasting advice comes from the least likely sources.

Joey reminded us that not every worry is worth your energy.
Your life isn’t up for debate. You don’t need everyone to agree with your choices.

So next time you catch yourself rehearsing an imaginary defense?

You don’t owe cows your peace. Moo on. 🐄

More sitcom overthinking next Tuesday,
Lucy xx

P.S. What’s something you recently realised was just… moo? Hit reply — I’d love to hear it.

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