5 Love Lessons From The Office's Michael Scott

The news recently broke that Steve Carell is leaving his role as Michael Scott on The Office. This leaves us bereft, huddled in the fetal position, our knees tucked up to our throats. Why? Well, aside from the fact that Michael Scott is the heart of Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch, he's taught us an awful lot about love, and we don't know that our love lives will hold up without him. Jim and Pam? Dwight and Angela? Andy and Erin? They don't hold a candle to Michael Scott and his... rotating cast of awkward love interests.

So what are the top 5 things he's taught us? 5 Life and Love Lessons from 'The Office'

1. Hold out for someone who respects and adores you. After a one-night-stand while on holiday in Jamaica, Michael managed to convince his boss, Jan Levinson, that they belonged together. Except that Jan never seemed entirely convinced and, despite his being there for her during some especially rough times, continuously treated him with contempt. Is it any surprise that things eventually blew up? Jon Gottman, a well-known marriage expert, is known for blaming the breakups of most marriages on what he calls the "four horsemen of the apocalypse": criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling. Without respect, your relationship won't last. Nor should it. Love yourself enough to be with someone who loves you.

2. Don't come on too strong. This one has been a tough lesson for Michael to learn. Season after season, we've cringed over the awkward moments Michael has created for himself. More recently was his short-lived relationship with Carol, a real estate agent who wasn't nearly has interested in him as he was in her. The last straw? When he Photoshopped his face over her ex-husband in some old family photos. The lesson we've learned from this? Don't be a lunatic. And though we fancy ourselves sane and logical individuals, sometimes love does make us lunatics. Show some restraint, and stop throwing yourself at someone who doesn't seem nearly as invested in the relationship as you are. The best love pairings have a good amount of give and take.

3. Be yourself. When human resources representative Holly Flax showed up on Michael's scene, we all fell in love. Their courtship was fast but unforced, sweet and goofy and—crucial for Michael—mutual. The best part? Michael didn't try too hard to impress Holly and, because of that, her immediate attraction to him was completely genuine. So don't play a part when you find yourself pursuing someone. The best catches are the ones who like you for you.

4. Make sure you're on the same page. We were heartbroken when Holly was transferred to a remote branch, and she and Michael opted not to pursue a long-distance relationship. But, as we all had to accept, Michael had to move on. And so, for a time, he dated Helene, Pam's mother. And then he broke up with her upon finding out she was older than him, and that she wasn't interested in being part of an active, travel-happy couple. Use that time when you're still just dating to learn all there is to learn about your partner. Primarily, make sure you're on the same page about the big stuff: religious faith, where to live, whether or not to have kids... You don't want to discover your massive differences after you tie the knot. 9 Secrets A Healthy Couple Shouldn't Keep

5. Don't be the other (wo)man. Most recently, Michael dated Donna, the manager of a local bar. Eventually, he found out she was married. Still, he continued the relationship, until his employees shamed him out of it. And for good reason. While infidelity is an issue that can be worked past, and perhaps even forgiven, in a mature, healthy relationship (everybody makes mistakes!), the married person's issues with commitment do not reflect well on their character, and your willingness to be an accomplice to an act that hurts someone else so deeply reflects poorly on yours. Hold out for someone who's willing to be with you... and only you. 5 Rules For Being The Other Woman

Did we miss anything? What has Michael Scott taught you about love?

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