Rarely do shows live long enough to celebrate their 300th episode as ''Grey's Anatomy'' did. It is one of those shows that become part of its fans' lives because they make them laugh, cry, grieve, and anticipate things. The show revolves around medicine, patients, and surgeries, but the storyline gives fans a chance to enter characters' private lives as well. Apart from the medical things we get to know about from the show, we get to learn a thing or two about life as well. Here are some lessons about friendship this show has taught us.

1. Friends are family

One of the reasons fans love the show so much is that all the characters act like one big family. They have been through so many woes, challenges, and happy times together, all of which tightened the bond between them.

It's not always about whom you've known the longest; it's about who's been there with you through thick and thin. Meredith Grey's quote sums it all up: ''The people that are still with you at the end of the day – those are the ones worth keeping. And sure, sometimes close can be too close. But sometimes, that invasion of personal space, it can be exactly what you need.''

This might be the greatest lesson this show teaches us: friends are everything, friends are family.

While it’s true we can’t pick our original family, we sure can pick the family we want – our friends. We need to be extra careful here though; it all comes down to who will listen, understand, and help when you need it.

2. Your best friend isn't necessarily your soulmate

Meredith and Cristina's friendship is the best example of this.

They refer to each other as ''my person'' as if they were soulmates, and yet they have very different personalities. They are practically complete opposites but get along perfectly. Their countless chats in bed about careers, relationships and more always gave them comfort. This taught us that it isn't always about being, acting or thinking the same as your best friend, it's about understanding each other and functioning well.

After all, it is said that opposites attract.

3. Friends are there for you when your partner isn't

Throughout the show, most of the characters went through some crazy relationship drama, including hookups, divorces and everything in between. The ones who helped them stay sane and survive such situations are those around them, their friends. While it's true that people also need to take time to deal with things on their own, the process is eased if there is someone to listen, hug you and cry with you.

Meredith couldn't have survived everything she's been through without her friends, namely Cristina and then Alex.

Bailey was always there for Webber and vice versa, Stephanie pushed Jo through her hardships, and Callie always helped Mark overcome crises. All these friendships from the show taught us that, whether you need advice, a shoulder to cry on or just someone to watch movies and drink with, your best friends should always be your go-to.

4. Unwinding is much needed

Most fans of the show are familiar with Meredith and Cristina's infamous dance parties. The tradition was carried on even after Cristina left, with Meredith making breaks in stressful moments, playing some music, and inviting those around her to ''dance it out.'' Whether it was to let out anger and frustration or to just let loose and have a good time, the method seemed to help.

Now, it's natural to be serious in tough situations, but finding a way to unwind with your best friends in such times could be helpful. Dancing, drinking some wine, going swimming together, singing karaoke, etc. are some of the activities that could help find moments of peace in hardships, and strengthen your bond with the person who's there with you.

5. You don't need to talk every day in order to be best friends

These kinds of friendships may be the best: life takes you to different parts of the country or the world, and you don't get to see each other or talk every day. However, when you do, it's like nothing's changed.

You still feel the same comfort around those people, and you pick up where you left off. No matter where life takes you, these friendships last.

Meredith and Cristina managed to stay best friends even after Cristina moved to Switzerland, sharing happy and sad moments thanks to messaging apps. Teddy and Owen don't see each other for a long time, but when they reunite, their friendship is still as strong as it was. True friendships stand the test of time and distance.
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