"We opt for smaller meetings whenever one or two of our schedules align."
Can I say how much I relate to this one.....?
Its been years since ALL of my friends have gathered in one place. We are pretty sure we'll see each others' face when one of us gets married.....Until then just 'internet communication' it is....

DB Articles should have a ❤ option! The friendships in BTIOFL was one of its strong points. A compelling thrust that pushed friends towards the right direction. Whether it be discussing flaws, pointing out mistakes or backing each other during tough times. Sang-gu's advice and banter towards Se-hee was adorable (it made him open up, often prodding him to realisations about his feelings/actions) but his misguided attempts at solving Won-Seok's problems were hilarious.

A good argument can be made that Because This Life is Our First may be the greatest comedy drama of all time- in any language. It not only was a great depiction of the nature of friendships but also offered tremendous insight into the true nature of romantic relationships, workplace issues and family relationships as well. Even the musical score was spot on. It is the first television show which could be compared favorably with the best of Shakespeare.

I loved this drama sooooo much, so much I was even able to watch it raw first. But that is the reason why the disappointment was huge when they blown it up at the end and destroy all coherence possible. So in my imaginary world, Ho rang would not have married Won-seok. I would have believed it more because they didn't fit for a stable long lasting relationship. Su ji and Sang go were ok, and of course Jiho and See he wouldn't have lied, sold the house, go for a unexpected and absurd separation and then reconcile ten minutes before the show ends, but we have already vented in different posts our frustrations with this show... it makes no sense to do it again, because I get upset!!!😂
That being said, I must acknowledge the friendship was great and funny. I am more "20th Century Boy and Girl" style, or the girls in "fight my way", but they did a nice job on the friendship in BTLIOF as well. I enjoy their scenes together, and sometimes they made me think deeper about some stuffs in my own life.

Thank you very much for your post.

Thanks for this write-up @meera. I didn't love the ending of this drama, I didn't love how most of the couples ended up but I love love love the two sets of friends. Those friendships were really what got me hooked on this drama from the beginning.

You had me here "because at times my friends and I have felt detached from others at large gatherings. We find ourselves clustering together in a corner or stunned over the abrasiveness of an interaction." I can understand that very well but in my situation I am the only one left out, thats why I never attend gatherings at all .....Thanks for the write up. On a side note, their frendship was the main draw for me to the drama aside the romance and how the three of them became friends was so touching....

This was definitely one of my favorite friendship dramas of last year. This and 20th century made me appreciate my girlfriends to the nth degree. I also liked how there was no competition between the friends here— for boys, jobs, attention. They just supported each other. I loved that they were genuinely happy with Ji-Ho when she got married, although they were still recovering from how fast it happened. Sometimes no jusdgement is what we need from our friends, and pretty wedding pictures to remember that moment. That was my favorite scene with all of the just laughing a smiling with each other.

later in life, after many years of "life happens" (being busy with our own lives and families) we seek routines that provide a reason to connect... like lunch ladies on a certain day of the week, and signing up for an evening tai chi class...

I loved this! You perfectly articulated everything I loved about the friendships in this drama. The way all of the characters were able to shine while still keeping the focus on Ji-ho and Se-hee has meant that the show really raised the bar for a drama’s treatment of its secondary characters for me. You’re totally right that in so many shows, especially rom-coms, the friends seem so one-dimensional. That was definitely not the case here!

The scene with the girls taking photos at the wedding will always make me smile. I also remember one scene with Ji-ho and Su-ji, I can’t remember which episode, where one of them is picking up chip crumbs off the other’s lap. It was hardly noticeable, but it felt so real and intimate to me. I loved it. Another highlight was definitely their conversation after Su-ji found out about the contract, and the “red coat” conversation between Ji-ho and Ho-rang.

I knew from the first episode that the friendship between the girls would be something special, but Se-hee and Sang-gu snuck up on me. It consisted mostly of little yet profound moments and lines. Se-hee’s eyes staying fixed on Sang-gu when he was worried, the way he bought everyone cake to give him and Su-ji privacy, Sang-gu’s “Do you really think that Se-hee doesn’t know that Ji-ho likes him?” in his conversation with Su-ji. “Bromance” is common in dramaland, but I felt that the subtle way the show demonstrated how well they knew each other and cared about each other was something special. That’s much of the show in a nutshell, I guess. Subtle and understated but effective.

I love the friendships in this show. The ladies definitely and the men as well. SangGu and SeHee's friendship seem superficial at first but then as you get to know them and their history together. You'd understand why they work and withstood the test of time.

SuJi is my fave among the ladies. I rooted for her as she broke out of that terrible situation she was it. Cheered for her as she finally stood up for herself. She is def lucky to have a supportive bf by her side.

I understand that large gathering can seem overwhelming. But its always those dearest friends you had for such a long time make it all worthwhile. They are def precious.

Meera,

Thank you for such a perfectly written and heartfelt piece.
👏😊

Oh yes, everything you mentioned really resonated with my thoughts on this show. It just brings a sense of realism to their friendship. Particularly agreed with this, "When Ji-ho suddenly announces her wedding to Se-hee, instead of guilting her for not keeping them posted about every detail in her relationship, they were supportive and anxious about her sudden decision."

Have to say that when you're with your close friends, you respect each other's decision and don't find the need to probe into every single detail. Sometimes I get suffocated and feel cornered when my friends feel the need to know everything that is going on in my life, or express their great disappointment in my delay of relaying the details. While my really close friends give me the space that I need and respect the decisions I make, not probing further into what I do not wish to say. Sometimes we simply do not want to share.

That's why Because This Life Is Our First's reference to Room 19 resonated with me and this drama will forever hold a special place in my heart.

It was really comforting to re-visit this friend group through this post, thank you!

Great write up @meera17817. This drama was 98% brilliant expect for the way they chose to end it (not an unpopular opinion as I can see on the comments below)! You have very nicely worded the friendship between the girls and the awkward friendship between the 3 main guys! My one ‘little’ peeve was when Ji Ho announced she was getting married to her landlord, none of the girls pressed her for the truth. I mean it is great that they were supportive but it was clear as day that Ji Ho was cornered for making such a drastic decision. And her friends being so close to her didn’t read it correctly? I found that odd. If any of my friends were struggling to find a place and announces suddenly that she is marrying the landlord for ‘love’ i’d be ‘we need to talk’!

This drama is one of my forever faves and the friendships shown helped make it that for me.