While I couldn't relate to Sheldon Cooper's genius and IQ in The Big Bang Theory, his hilarious way to console his friends has struck a chord with me.
Sheldon Cooper, the genius embodiment and the theoretical physicist that we have come to love through twelve seasons of The Big Bang Theory, might not be well-versed in the social ways of the world. Still, he taught me a valuable lesson in human empathy.
While many fans have noticed that the character was on the autism spectrum, exhibiting traits of Asperger's syndrome, he demonstrated significant character growth in the later seasons of the sitcom towards his friends.
I found his funny way of consoling his friends, especially Penny, using the phrase 'there, there' to be extremely sweet. Even though Sheldon is not the most socially aware person in any room, his effort to help his friends in his unique way highlights his good nature.
More on Sheldon Cooper's unconventional way to console his friends in The Big Bang Theory in our story.
*Disclaimer- This article is based on the author's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.*
'There, there' and a hot beverage: Sheldon Cooper's guide to console his friends in The Big Bang Theory
While many people believe that Sheldon is selfish and narcissistic and thinks of himself as superior to others, I think he was a shy and awkward child who grew up socially unaware. Since childhood plays a significant role in adult life, Sheldon's lack of social awareness stems from his experiences growing up and his high IQ, which made him 'different' from his peers.
However, Sheldon overcame these social restraints and devised his unique method to console his friends in their time of need. Sheldon would always offer a hot beverage and lend an ear, saying 'there, there' to his friends. While I found his way of consoling hilarious at first, a closer look forced me to rethink.
In many of our difficult moments, what do we crave the most? A person who listens and understands our plight and that is precisely what Sheldon did with his friends. I appreciated that he came up with a way to console others, given his limited knowledge about human emotions, and that's saying something about his efforts to help.
In The Big Bang Theory Season 1, after Leonard is humiliated by Kurt, Penny's ex-boyfriend, Sheldon gives him a pat on the back and consoles him by saying 'there, there'. While Leonard did not magically get less upset after this, he appreciated his friend's efforts to console him.
On many occasions, Penny even found herself seeking comfort in Sheldon. With her whole history with Leonard and Howard & Raj always hitting on her, she found Sheldon's company relaxing and in his own strange way, he managed to make Penny comfortable by listening to her problems.
Sheldon's actions and words might not be comforting in a traditional way, but they highlighted his willingness to learn and show up for his friends. His friendship with Penny proves that he was capable of forming deep emotional bonds, which only grew stronger as The Big Bang Theory progressed.
Fans can debate whether Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory was on the autism spectrum or not, but I think he taught that consoling your friends does not require a grand gesture; showing up and listening can make all the difference.
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