Everyone has their favorite sitcom to watch at home. Friends, Seinfeld, Big Bang Theory and New Girl are just a few that many people love to watch and often showcase the unique dynamics and relationships that develop among neighbors in such settings, which had us thinking about what exactly we have learned as residents of apartment communities and these shows have in common. Let’s explore some lessons along this journey.
Sense of Community. Sitcoms portray apartment buildings as microcosms of society, where neighbors become like a second family. Fostering a sense of community where you live is essential, and getting to know your neighbors can create a supportive network. Many apartments are located by local coffee shops, pubs or cafés. Central Perk from Friends and McLaren’s Pub from How I Met Your Mother both have that sense of community, where the group of friends is often seen together.
Role of shared spaces. Apartment buildings often feature shared spaces such as hallways, laundry rooms or communal areas. It is crucial to respect common areas and foster positive interactions. We don’t want you to end up like Rachel in Friends at the laundry mat, where a bully stole her laundry basket. Always take the higher road to be kind but assertive to have the respect you deserve.
Diverse personalities. Sitcoms frequently depict characters with contrasting personalities and lifestyles living nearby. Challenges and opportunities arise when individuals with different backgrounds, interests and habits come together. Pheobe always brought a sense of peculiarity to the group, but they were open-minded and found some common ground with her, especially when she thought her mother was a cat! And we cannot forget Sheldon from Big Bang Theory and his annoying habit of thrice knocking on neighbors’ doors and having to say their names before they can answer, but Penny always seems to disregard those quirky habits of his.
Memorable neighbor characters. Many sitcoms feature special characters who add depth and comedy to the show. Kramer from Seinfeld brought many lessons to embrace eccentricities and find much humor in everyday interactions. For example, bringing George to a holistic doctor for his tonsils can be considered eccentric to most. And again, that time Elene held onto a dozen doves for Kramer in exchange for a car ride is a humorous everyday interaction. Another example is Sheldon from Big Bang Theory and all his quirks of routine, hygiene and overly intellectual personality, which he was basically like a walking Wikipedia. He was so popular that they made a spin-off show of his earlier life, Young Sheldon.
Traditions and events. Sitcoms often showcase recurring events or traditions within the apartment building, such as holiday parties, game nights or impromptu gatherings. The girls from Sex and the City would gather with friends and neighbors on rooftops for mixers and other impromptu gatherings. These activities can foster a sense of belonging, create lasting friendships and make apartment living more enjoyable. On the show Friends, they had a Friendsgiving every season with the group. But remember when Underdog got away, and they locked themselves out of the apartment with a full Thanksgiving meal cooking inside? Remember ResidentShield renters insurance for those fire mishaps will be there for you if you find yourself in a similar situation.
Conflicts and creating relationships. Disputes and misunderstandings between neighbors and roommates are bound to happen, but sitcoms often provide valuable lessons on conflict resolution, effective communication and compromise. Just look at Jess from New Girl and the changes in who lived with her. Each person brought a different dynamic to the space. And again, poor Sheldon from Big Bang Theory constantly had his couch spot stolen. Still, he made some compromises and set boundaries with his bathroom schedules, which all formed positive relationships with the gang.
These are just a few entertaining insights and relatable scenarios from sitcoms that create valuable lessons and a sense of community with neighbors and roommates while living in an apartment.
