nothing good happens after 2am

i challenged myself to write the perfect essay on himym.........CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

A few months ago, I was at Tahira’s house. This was the day that changed my life. I’m not being dramatic I swear. She told me to watch the show, and like always I responded with the usual ‘yeah bro I will’ (knowing damn well I wasn’t going to watch it.)

I came around and gave in. I watched the first season in 2 days.

This is so inner but I’ve been going through a break up. You know when you listen to a song and all the words apply to you? That was me and these 9 seasons of HIMYM. Literally one of the first things I noticed about it, was how well it was written. People underestimate how fucking difficult it is to create something so perfect, with such a complex storyline. I think I was so shocked because I was watching a lot of shitty tv prior to this.

I could write an essay on every single character. Robin and how complex she is. Barney and how the ending of his story just made so much sense. Lily and Marshall (yes they count as one) and how they are the perfect manifestation of love. But Ted Mosby. The perfect character. ME HE IS LITERALLY ME. Every stupid thing he does, it’s like I get his thought process and it just seems right. Saying I love you on the first date. Going to hell and back to get a locket for your ‘friend’. It just makes sense?

Ted’s character development was my favourite thing about the show. Which is ironic because - did he really change? I don’t think so. Ted put all his love in the world. He loved and loved and loved. And he never gave up, do you know how admirable that is. He had such a good heart. Without being cringe that reminds me of me. You just want to put all of your love into one singular thing. Until you realise you can’t, life doesn’t work that way. It’s hard to pinpoint when Ted realised this. Perhaps toward the end, right before he met his wife. And look how that ended up.

Love genuinely comes when you least expect it. I kind of hate that because I feel like I’m always waiting for the perfect moment, seeing futures with these girls that don’t reply to me and I don’t know a thing about. It’s like I can’t help myself. Neither could Ted. The altruistic act of helping Stella even after she left him at the altar. It really takes a big heart to be that type of person. The point is - the love you put into the world is what you get out. Love even when it’s not reciprocated. Okay, don’t lose your self-respect, but you get what I mean.

I put a lot of love into one person. You guys know who it is but it really doesn’t matter who it is. and it’s funny because I don’t regret - even with everything that happened. I feel like I got left at the fucking altar. And when it happens, everything starts falling apart around you, and you start spiralling. Genuinely, it feels like the worst thing to happen ever.

Until you realise it isn’t. And you are actually okay. And you find a bit of hope and you cling on and even when you feel like letting go, don’t.

It’s funny, Ted is so weak and strong simultaneously. Falling for these girls, but maintaining a friendship with his ex (that he was still very much in love with). Watching the girl of his dreams get married to his best friend. I feel like sometimes you can see the sadness in his eyes. His character just breaks my heart because he really didn't deserve any of the tough stuff the ‘universe’ threw at him. He loved so deeply and passionately. But in the end, what did he get? Tahira always said it was all about Robin and Ted, and maybe she was right. Is your soulmate really who is best for you?

You can force compatibility - but you can’t force love.

“If you're looking for the word that means caring about someone beyond all rationality and wanting them to have everything they want no matter how much it destroys you, it's love. And when you love someone you don't stop, ever. Even when people roll their eyes, and call you crazy. Even then. Especially then.”

This is one of my favourite things he says. He really did always love Robin (me hating it isn’t gonna make it untrue)

the end. i’m going to write another one on this cos I have too much to say and I don’t want you guys to get bored. (ps: Sabs is barney)

To be honest, i’ve just had a thought. we should always be grateful for the love we receive, even if it ends. because wow, I can’t believe I got to experience a kind of love that was so immersive and deep that I now can’t breathe without it. Maybe Ted was lucky he had Tracy for some time, even if it didn’t last forever.

I’m going to watch it again in 5 years. 2028. When Tahira said that I wondered what my life would be like in 5 years. You know in the show when Ted wonders when he’ll be married? I wonder if I’ll have a different perspective on everything. Maybe ill be in a good relationship and maybe history will repeat itself. I DON’T KNOW. All I know is that life is unpredictable.