6 How I Met Your Mother Quotes That Hold Powerful Life Lessons

Even though this CBS sitcom’s finale aired over six years ago, it is still aired and recognized today for its witty comments and lengthy run time among other television programs. Creators of “How I Met Your Mother”, Carter Bays, and Craig Thomas explored several topics every person faces throughout life, including self-exploration, heartbreak, and lots of drinking. With each of their 9 seasons (totaling 208 episodes) also came some memorable quotes. Though some of these lines date back to late 2005, there is still a bit of truth we can take away from all of them. 

“Okay Awesome” – 1×5

In this season one episode, Lily is having a difficult time trying to mature, while simultaneously clinging to her youth. Luckily, Robin is there to offer some words of wisdom. Growing old does not automatically take “fun” off of the to-do list. If you want to be that free-spirited soul you once identified as nobody is stopping you from doing so. 

“Milk” – 1×21

Later in season 1, Lily is seen suffering more difficulty about what she truly wants to achieve in life. One of her closest friends, Ted, tries talking her out of what he claims to be a “mistake”. What she had to say spoke volumes, albeit it sounds a bit convoluted. How are we supposed to know what the right decision is without making a few mistakes in the process?

“Challenge Accepted” – 6×24

Jumping ahead to season 6, the audience becomes witness to major character developments between Robin and Barney, who try to knock a simple lesson into Ted: sometimes, the past is meant to stay in the past. After absorbing this information, we realize how noble it is of Robin and Barney to say this, as they are known for their repetitive behavior (relationship-wise) towards the beginning of the show. 

“Something Old” – 8×23

Nearing towards the end of season 8, Robin desperately tries to relocate an old locket she cannot find before her wedding. However, some signs might not be worth searching for. Her best man, Ted, shares with her in the pouring rain, that most times we already know what is or is not meant to be. 

“Sunrise” – 9×17

Throughout each of the nine seasons, the audience can see how much Barney truly cares for his friends. More importantly, his wanting to be with them for each major event is evident, especially in this quote from the last season. Because is anything really special without your friends by your side as witnesses? 

In season 8, Ted Mosby stated that “you can’t cling to the past because no matter how tightly you hold onto it, it’s already gone.” And while that may be correct, there is no rule saying that we cannot reminisce on all of the glorious moments of our past. And if you tune into CBS, you can still see one of the hundreds of “How I Met Your Mother” episodes, and probably find one of these brilliant quotes buried within some of them.