Entertainment

The Most Relatable Couple From 'HIMYM'

by Tracy Dye

In my humble opinion, Barney Stinson and Robin Scherbatsky were the best and most relatable couple featured on How I Met Your Mother. For all those that were incensed by the last few scenes involving the Mother in the HIMYM series finale, I was too busy trying to patch up the scattered pieces of my broken heart when it was revealed that Barney and Robin's marriage ended in divorce. I had grown accustomed to the couple's on-again/off-again romance, but the finale basically told us that the two had ended their relationship for good this time and — to quote Taylor Swift — they were "never, ever, ever getting back together." Now when I binge watch HIMYM, I stop it right at the part where Barney and Robin get married and announce to no one in particular, "Well, I guess that's how it ends! It looks like everything worked out!" That's my version of an alternate ending.

Much of HIMYM centered on Ted Mosby's quest for love and his unwavering commitment to the idea of romance and the existence of "the one." I, of course, adored Ted and his trajectory, but it was Barney and Robin's relationship that I found myself identifying with the most. The coupling wasn't characterized by a storybook-type romance — far from it. As we die-hard HIMYM fans remember, neither Barney nor Robin wanted a relationship and initially viewed their chemistry as an inconvenience rather than a fairy tale. Still, their ability to find their way back to each other time and time again until finally committing showcased just how real their love was. Let's take a look at the seven ways Barney and Robin were the most relatable couple on HIMYM.

They Were Both Victims Of Human Nature

I know it can be hard to admit, but a lot of times we can fall into the trap of wanting what we can't have. When Barney initially felt like Robin was out of reach, his feelings for her only grew stronger. The same happened to Robin once she realized she had feelings for Barney, which led to a neurotic — albeit adorable — back and forth that ended in the couple's first kiss, otherwise known as one of the best moments ever in the history of HIMYM.

Love Was Scary For Both Of Them

Let's face it: Love can be a very scary thing. Barney and Robin experienced the most apprehension when it came to romance, and their anxieties were played out in a litany of ways that we could all relate to.

They Were Both Goofballs

Whether it was laser tag or drumming on a giant turtle statue, Barney and Robin were never afraid to get a little silly.

They Had Their Faults

Barney and Robin weren't perfect, but that just made us love them all the more.

They Didn't Need To Be Fancy To Have A Good Time

Barney may have had a penchant for "suiting up," but he and Robin didn't need every date night to be one of expensive tastes.

They Had Their Fair Share of Awkward Moments

What would an on-again/off-again romance be without a few awkward moments?

They Balanced Each Other

Barney could be a little cocky and Robin could be a little blunt. Sometimes these qualities caused the two to butt heads, but for the most part their traits complemented each other.

With all due respect to the Ted-Robin shippers of the universe, the Barney-Robin coupling was LEGENDARY.

Image: CBS; Giphy (14)