Friends – was Ross toxic? The psychologist does not leave a dry thread on him

Psychologist Dr. Nicole LePeraza began giving examples of the toxic behavior of Ross, one of the main characters of the cult sitcom friends. She drew attention to several alarming situations, such as the scene where he ordered Rachel to quit her job because of her attractive co-worker. Her Twitter post started a heated online discussion that fans of the show got involved in. Some viewers agree with the psychologist, while others defend Ross. See the reactions below.

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Friends – was Ross toxic? The psychologist comments

The psychologist pointed out that Ross had compiled a list of Rachel’s pros and cons, including that she was “just a waitress” and obsessed with her appearance. She added that he wanted the character to quit her new job because of her new attractive co-worker. Moreover, when he wanted to apologize to her for his jealousy, he heard his voice in her apartment, so he decided to sleep with another woman.

His controlling and abusive behavior is seen as endearing and charming – rather than being a red flag reflecting his complexes.

Ross makes a list of Rachel’s pros and cons including: she is ditzy, too obsessed with her looks, and ‘just a waitress.’ He thinks apologizing means calling into a local radio show to dedicate a song to her. Later, he wants Rachel to quit her new job because she has an attractive… https://t.co/u7a8TKxy42 pic.twitter.com/wjUktr5u6c

— Dr. Nicole LePera (@Theholisticpsyc) March 16, 2023

Friends – was Ross toxic? Fan reactions

What about fans and viewers? Some agree with the psychologist, others believe that Rachel was also toxic and constantly made fun of Ross’s career. See some reactions below.

Thank you!! This is why I couldn’t like friends. Ross was insufferable and i have no idea why everyone thinks they’re such a great love story.

— who even knows (@cafecitomami1) March 16, 2023

I judge so. hard. when people say Ross is their favourite friend when he was objectively the worst person 🙃 https://t.co/49Bwf0nBjH

— tai. (@_akira______) March 17, 2023

Been saying this ever since i saw friends
Ross was a dick and the least fav character https://t.co/XH6LMnFsyH

— ✨potato✨ (@someonenawal) March 16, 2023

Rachel constantly mocks his career. She strings him along half the series giving him false hope. Sleeps with his best friend. Actively tries to break up his new love interest when he tried to move on.

I hope there’s a part 2 of this tweet 👀

— MH Dad (@RKyleDoherty) March 16, 2023

Exactly. None of the behavior described in the tweet was meant to be seen as “endearing and charming”. I mean, after Ross requests the song, the DJ blasts him and cuts it off halfway through once she finds out what he did. I’m not saying the OP is wrong, but she’s ignoring a lot.

— Angela Hamade (@heyaries1981) March 16, 2023