Friends

Monica runs into her former boyfriend Richard and, although they agree that getting back together would be a mistake, they soon end up in bed again. At the same time, Phoebe begins seeing an athlete.

"The One Where Monica and Richard Are Just Friends" is a programme presented as an episode of a larger series. It falls within the episode genre and follows the familiar format of the show’s storytelling, concentrating on the lives of a close‑knit group of friends. In this instalment, Monica happens to run into her former boyfriend Richard. Both women and men agree that re‑starting a romantic relationship would be a mistake, yet they soon find themselves back in bed together despite their earlier resolve. At the same time, Phoebe embarks on a new romantic venture, beginning to see an athlete, which introduces a fresh dynamic to her storyline. The episode sets up a clear contrast between Monica’s reluctant return to intimacy with an ex and Phoebe’s enthusiastic start with a new partner. By placing these two narratives side by side, the script highlights how each character navigates love and attraction in her own way, showing both hesitation and optimism within the same social circle. Overall, the story continues to track the personal developments of the central group, offering a snapshot of how past connections and new possibilities can coexist. It remains focused on the characters’ interactions without venturing beyond the established relationships presented in the episode.