(and which Friends can you live with?)
1. Monica Geller – Flat Mum
Ideal for: Those who have an appreciation for an organised, well-maintained home.
About Monica: Monica is the ultimate control freak and has a strong tendency for order. However, despite her desire to have things just so, she enjoys taking care of the people around her. She might re-organise your things without asking, and if you’re not following her house rules, she’s not afraid to remind you (multiple times). Despite her tendency to over-manage everything, she does it out of love and care, wanting the space to be as perfect as possible. Expect frequent cleaning marathons and perfectly folded towels, but also a fair share of her “Monica Geller” temper if her standards are challenged. If you like feeling taken care of, living with a Monica could be nice.
Warning: She can be a bit of a nag at times. Those who appreciate having autonomy over their home life and gravitate towards a more laissez-faire way of being beware.
2. Phoebe Buffay – Free Spirit
Ideal for: Those who love a quirky, nurturing presence and are looking for a yoga partner.
About Phoebe: Phoebe is definitely the flat mate that marches to the beat of her own drum. She is most likely to be missing in action, especially at times of flatting conflict. However, she can always be counted on to lend an ear to you when you need it most. Her comforting, open-minded nature makes her a perfect listener, and she’ll offer a lot of emotional support, even if her methods are unconventional and she is most likely to consult with her crystal collection for answers. Her random acts of kindness, along with her bohemian spirit, will fill your flat with warmth and a sense of freedom.
Warning: If you’re looking for practical, straightforward solutions to your problems, Phoebe’s eccentric guidance might confuse you. You’ll get advice about karma, Smelly Cat, and perhaps even some odd rituals. It’s worth noting that Phoebe is often MIA.
3. Rachel Green – Social Butterfly
Ideal for: Someone who enjoys a lively living environment, a good flat party and stylish home.
About Rachel: Rachel is fun, caring, and always up for a good time. She loves keeping up with the latest fashion trends and may frequently ask for opinions on her outfits. Expect lots of shopping bags around the flat and possibly the occasional wardrobe dilemma. A brunch enthusiast, Rachel will likely insist on Saturday morning mimosas and will keep the flat looking chic, even if it sometimes feels like a “work-in-progress.” She’s also likely to encourage spontaneous get-togethers and is all about making the flat feel like a social hub.
Warning: If you like your space to be quiet and drama-free, Rachel’s social life might be a bit overwhelming. There will be regular gatherings, last-minute brunches, and the occasional spontaneous party. Rachel is not great with managing money and at times can choose her personal shopping needs over her financial obligations to the flat. Careful signing onto a joint fixed term rental agreement with a Rachel type, you could be in rental arrears before you know it. If you want to avoid your personal life being documented on social media, it would be best to avoid living with a Rachel type.
4. Chandler Bing – Sarcastic and emotionally unavailable
Ideal for: Someone who appreciates sarcasm and witty banter.
About Chandler: If you enjoy dark humour, sarcasm, and dry wit, Chandler will keep you laughing (even if it’s just at his own awkwardness). While he may have a slightly unusual area of study that nobody really understands, don’t expect him to stop making jokes about it. Chandler is a bit neurotic but incredibly supportive when you need him, even if his emotional comfort often comes wrapped in self-deprecating humour. He’ll occasionally cook dinner or order takeout (definitely pizza), and while his attempts to clean may be unenthusiastic, he does care about keeping things in good condition—mostly for his own peace of mind.
Warning: Emotional avoidance. If you’re looking for deep emotional conversations and connections, you might be disappointed. Chandler uses humour to deflect anything that might feel uncomfortable, including personal issues.
5. Joey Tribbiani – Carefree Slob
Ideal for: Those who don’t mind a bit of mess and love a good laugh.
About Joey: A flatmate full of charm and a carefree attitude, Joey is not exactly the neatest person but is definitely the one who keeps the mood light. He’s always down for a good time and might invite friends over at odd hours. Expect him to occasionally forget about responsibilities, especially if he’s caught pursuing his passions. But his loyalty, charm, and occasional deep moments make up for it. Joey might “borrow” your food (without asking), but he’ll make up for it by cooking you a questionable but heartwarming meal. Joey is not always concerned about taking care of what he considers menial daily chores around the flat and can be a bit of a slob.
Warning: Don’t count on Joey to pull his own weight around the flat and to take any initiative when it comes to the flat itself. Don’t be surprised if Joey brings home unexpected guests regularly. So, if you are looking for a flatting experience that is more predictable, perhaps living with a Joey type is not your best bet. Although he is lovable, Joey is not very dependable.
6. Ross Geller – Serious Student
Ideal for: Those who enjoy intellectual conversations and can tolerate minor awkwardness.
About Ross: Ross is your classic bookish flat mate, the one who will happily engage you in deep conversations about science or his latest failed relationship. He can be a bit moody and anxious, but once you get to know him, he’s sweet and caring. He’s also likely to engage in (sometimes embarrassing) outbursts of passion about his various hobbies or past mistakes. His enthusiasm for his work can lead to many discussions about dinosaurs, but his sensitivity means he’s always willing to listen when you need support—even if he’s a little overly dramatic sometimes. Be prepared for some quiet nights interpreted by “we were on a break!” arguments if you’re around for his relationship rants.
Warning: Emotional baggage. Ross brings a lot of emotional drama with him. His break-ups, jealousy issues, and relationship troubles could spill over into the flat, turning the flat into a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. Ross is happy to attend a party outside the flat, but don’t expect him to be willing to host a get-together in the shared flat. He can have a tendency to be annoying about keeping the noise to a minimum. Ross is not always a good time, and he is likely to bore you with his lengthy explanations.