FRIENDS: Why Did Monica’s Parents Treat Her Differently Than Ross?
For a decade, FRIENDS entertained us with different storylines. It was a roller coaster of emotions. The cast gave an exceptional performance and maybe that is why we could connect with them emotionally so much that when their reunion was announced, everyone went crazy! However, not everyone found this sitcom worthy of a watch. There are many reasons that they put forward. Some do not like how they treated people from the LGBTIQA+ community, some felt Joey was a womanizer (who didn’t even leave his own friends!), and some had problems with other characters.
Well, there’s one more thing that’s problematic about the show. It’s Monica’s (Courteney Cox) relationship with her parents. If you’re a FRIENDS fan, you must’ve noticed how differently Monica was treated by her parents. Why? Let us go through a few (possible) theories. Check it out!
Why Did Monica’s Parents Treat Her Differently Than Ross?
Keeping other criticisms aside, this show was great. It showed us how life can be wonderful if we have friends like family. But one particular thing that we cannot ignore is how Monica was treated by her parents. For whatever little time her parents, Jack and Judy Geller appeared in the episodes, they shared two completely different dynamics with their kids Monica and Ross. If you remember, Ross was the elder child who was conceived after great efforts. So, it’s understood he must’ve been their darling. But that doesn’t mean they’d treat Monica the way they did.
Many find Monica irritating, manipulative, competitive, and always questioning herself. But ever wondered why she had such a nature and behaved this way? Maybe all this was a result of how she was treated by her parents? No matter what wrong Ross did, he was still always appreciated by them, but Monica never got this sort of treatment (some would argue her parents did appreciate her, but that was rare!). So, why do you think this was the case? Here are a few theories that make a lot of sense. Check it out!
Theory #1: Maybe Monica’s Parents Were Treated The Same Way They Treated Her
Some fans believe that maybe, Monica’s parents were treated similarly by their parents when they were growing up. Judy was quite expressive of how her mother, Althea, treated her when she was a child. Judy was constantly criticized for whatever she did (exactly what she did to Monica!). Unknowingly, Judy imbibed these qualities in herself and hence, treated her daughter the same way she was treated when she was a kid. And, this treatment molded Monica and her behavior.
Theory #2: Monica Must’ve Been A Result Of An Extramarital Affair
Yes, we know this sounds controversial. But we cannot stop thinking of it as a possibility because it makes a lot of sense! Some fans think Monica was a result of an extramarital affair with either Jack or Judy. The way Judy and Jack treat Monica throughout is questionable. It makes us think as if she isn’t their daughter.
Some fans feel that Jack Geller had an extramarital affair with someone and Monica was their daughter. Judy didn’t want to ruin her family life, so she gulped in her anger and continued being in the setup. But looking at Monica constantly reminded her of the adultery her husband did. And, hence, she was disgusted with Monica and always preferred Ross over her.
On the other hand, some fans believe that Monica was a result of Judy’s extramarital affair. She was so ashamed and fearful of her act that whenever she looked at Monica, she was reminded of her mistake.
Throughout Judy’s and Monica’s relationship was difficult to watch and the show never explored why it was so. However, these theories do make a lot of sense!
