“Being independent doesn't mean being hard; it means having the courage to stand on your own while still being open to love and kindness.”
Rachel Greene, the iconic character in the TV show Friends, is often perceived as a ditsy rich girl with a passion for fashion and a penchant for always having a boyfriend. However, she has much more depth than she initially lets on.
When Rachel first appeared on screen, she was in a wedding dress, having just left her fiancé at the altar. Why did she do that? Simply because she didn’t love him. Rachel is brave. Ending a relationship, especially one meant to last a lifetime, is one of the most nerve-wracking decisions anyone can make. Her courage to leave a loveless relationship is commendable. Not only did she do that, but she also decided to become completely independent from her parents, changing everything in one day.
Having relied on her parents' money her entire life with the sole goal of marrying wealthy, Rachel reinvented herself as an independent young woman by waitressing at a coffeehouse. She got a job for the first time in her life, started listening to her intuition, and learned the ropes herself. She had the guts to cut herself off financially from her wealthy family. For a spoiled fashion shopaholic, that’s impressive.
She has repeatedly demonstrated her independence and her desire to rely on herself, prioritizing her own needs on multiple occasions. What’s ‘Friends’ without the complicated relationship between Rachel and Ross? Not much entertainment that’s what :) While we all enjoy their romance, one thing to admire is her self-love and respect for herself, which led her to leave Ross multiple times when he didn't treat her with respect. For instance, when Rachel discovered Ross had made a list comparing her and Julie, she ended the relationship before it even began. She knows her worth and will not settle for less than she deserves, even if it means not being with the one she loves. Despite this, she never gave up on finding love. Her sense of independence and her ability to maintain her soft side in love are admirable.
Time and again, Rachel has proven to be an amazing character, evolving into an incredibly independent woman while retaining her soft, feminine side.