Opthomologist Richard Burke, long time friend of Monica’s parents, made his first appearance when he hired Monica to cater a party for him. Recently divorced, Richard was not yet dating much. But Monica was so much older now than he remembered her.....
Despite the 21 year age difference between them, Monica and Richard decided to give it a try. Their relationship grew more and more serious. Eventually, they had to tell Monica’s parents about it.
As their love grew, eventually they discussed the different futures they saw. Monica’s had kids in it, Richard’s did not. As much as Monica loved Richard, she could not give up motherhood, so they broke up.

Monica had a rough time getting over Richard and spent weeks thinking about him. A few months after their break-up, they ran into each other at the video store and things heated up between them again. But nothing had changed about the future and they decided to remain just friends, no matter how much they wanted it.

A year and a half later, after Monica was involved with Chandler, she and Richard met up again and went to lunch together. But now something was different. Monica didn’t feel anything between the two of them, but Richard did. In an effort to try to stop thinking about her, he went off to Africa for six months to work with blind children.

No longer able to hold his feelings in, Richard confessed to Monica that he was still in love with her and wanted to marry her and have kids with her. Confused by Chandler’s “plan,” Monica considered this proposal and went to his place. She confessed to Richard that getting over him was the hardest thing she has ever had to do and no longer allows herself to think about him. When Chandler came looking for Monica, Richard advised him to go get her and not let go, leading Chandler to tell him that he really is a nice guy. Monica decided that Chandler was the man she wanted to spend her life with.

Richard continued to make appearances throughout the rest of the series, though only in mentioning, never physically.


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