There are many things that are hard to forgive, but there are very few first offenses (drunk cheating included) that should be impossible to forgive, at least that’s the way I see it. For those who see otherwise, I trust you will stave off the confusing caserole of emotions you choke down when you’re strugglinh in a reltationship and never once go astray. And for that I truly envy you (I am in no way being facetious, seriously). I am so flawed that I find forgiveness of others is the only salve for wicked past.
my wicked past.
Sure–but I’m guessing that you are lots more willing to forgive others when they admit they did something wrong. Ross didn’t admit that: whenever confronted with it, he insisted, “We were on a break!” as if that were all the excuse he needed.
Daniel
you’re right. I saw your post saying as much after I posted. I agree, he did rely too much on his defense, but it was a break 
Yes, they were both being dumb (nothing new there). But Ross, knowing how badly Rachel felt hurt, certainly didn’t help the situation with his constant refrain, “We were on a break!”
One nice follow-up: when Rachel later flies to London, she’s seated next to a British guy (Hugh Laurie, better known these days for “Stuart Little” and “House”) to whom she opens her heart about her relationship and past dealings with Ross.
The guy matter-of-factly agrees with Ross: “Anyone could see you were on a break!”
And I thought I had seen too many episodes of Friends in syndication. I bow before the master.
(And I must shamefacedly admit that I got Chloe and Caitlin confused. Was Caitlin the cute pizza delivery girl who Ross attempted to flirt with by discussing the odor of natural gas?)
Yup.
–Cliffy
I always sided with Ross. She initiates a breakup and them blames him for picking up a quick rebound. Of course, if Ross truly loved Rachel he wouldn’t want the one night stand. But if Rachel truly loved Ross she wouldn’t have gone nuclear. They were both to blame, but Rachel blew Ross’ one night indiscretion way out of proportion.
Side question:
Does anyone know how many sex partners each of the Friends had or alluded to during the run of the show? If I had to guess, it would be Joey in first place, followed by Rachel, followed by Ross, followed by Monica, followed by Phoebe, with Chandler bringing up the rear.
Actually - i think it’d be Joey, Monica, Phoebe, Rachel, Chandler, Ross
*Phoebe??? * I don’t recall her getting that much action
she had more dates than Rachel did
and Monica was always going on dates in season one
fun bobby, young ethan, etc etc etc
actually, you may be right - Rachel had a lot of alluded to action prior to Barry, but very little after him until season 3 or 4; it maybe a tie -
and Monica was always going on dates in season one
fun bobby, young ethan, etc etc etc
but I really think it’s Ross who trails
damn sticky slow server