Welcome to The Friends Theory, where we use pop culture and story to reframe the way you see your life, work, and what you’re capable of.

This week, the screen gets a little wider.

The One Where I See Other People

Insights from several episodes of Friends and my own realisations.

I’ve been writing The Friends Theory for about nine months now, and recently it’s become harder to feel inspired.

Not because I don’t still love Friends (I mean, duh). But because I’m evolving.

As Rachel would say:

And actually, Rachel, yes. Yes it is.

I don’t even know if that line fully applies here, but it captures the feeling. There’s no shortage of content or ideas—if anything, there’s too much. The issue is the container. It’s starting to feel tight. Like spotting an iceberg ahead. And when someone like me feels boxed in, creativity doesn’t gently slow down. It takes a one way bus to nowhere. 

Which feels…familiar.

It also feels fitting, considering the very first edition of this newsletter was about pivoting. Turns out, that wasn’t a one-time thing.

Because here’s what’s true: outgrowing a container is not the same as failing at it. The job, the city, the relationship, the version of you that once fit perfectly…was right for you then. It just might not be right for you now.

So if you’re only here for the Friends reference, I’ve got bad news for you.
I’ve got to break free. (And yes, Freddie Mercury is absolutely playing in my head. Maybe your head now, too.)

This newsletter is evolving to be more than just Friends. I’m ready to see other people.

By that, I mean other shows, films, books, and moments from pop culture that make me stop and think, huh—there’s a lesson here. A reframe. A deeper meaning I want to sit with, pull apart, and explore a little longer than just in the moment.

Why? Because I love stories. I love subtext. I love thinking about the things we watch and consume (and what they say about us) long after the credits roll. Hello IMDb trivia section (IYKYK).

To quote Chandler (because of course):

Writing this newsletter is meant to be a source of creativity, curiosity, and fun. And I’d like to keep it that way—for me, and for you. That means giving myself permission to follow the ideas that actually light me up, even if they don’t fit neatly into a sitcom-shaped box.

And if you’re someone who’s quietly outgrowing your own container—a role, an industry, a version of yourself—I hope this next chapter gives you more language, courage, and tiny reframes to work with while you figure out what’s next.

So while this edition has ironically turned into something of a love letter to various Friends moments, moving forward it won’t be limited to them. Same lens. Same voice. Same intention. Just a wider frame.

I’m ready to see other people.
And don’t worry—Friends will always be one of them 😉

Your Turn

I’m officially widening the screen, so tell me:

What’s a show, film, or character that’s playing on repeat in your head right now?

You can:
👉 Hit reply and tell me
👉 Or click here and make a recommendation I may or may not immediately overthink

Purely for research.
And by research, I mean me avoiding the Netflix scroll of doom.

See you next week,
Lucy xx
AKA Queen of the Reframe

P.S. check these out👇

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