The Best Piece Of Advice That Raj Ever Gave On The Big Bang Theory
"The Big Bang Theory" may be over, but it left fans with over a decade's worth of episodes to enjoy. In between the jokes about "Star Wars" and Sheldon (Jim Parsons) spouting off a bunch of science nonsense, there were some genuinely heartwarming moments to appreciate. Viewers fondly remember the emotional speech Leonard (Johnny Galecki) gave at his old high school when he told all of the misfits in the crowd, "Maybe you don't have any friends, and guess what, that's okay."
Over the course of the show's 279 episodes, everyone had an opportunity to take a break from the gags and the zingers to impart some inspirational wisdom, including Raj (Kunal Nayyar). He doesn't say much, particularly during the show's first couple of seasons, but he gradually opens up and starts talking more, even when Penny (Kaley Cuoco) is around. He may be a man of few words, but when he does speak up, he makes his statements count.
Raj knows a thing or two about shutting up and listening
It's interesting watching the friendship dynamic between Raj and Howard (Simon Helberg), as the two are polar opposites. Raj is timid, while Howard is often too social for his own good, but that contrast allows them to balance each other out. This is evident on the Season 7 episode "The Discovery Dissipation," when Howard gets into a tiff with his partner, Bernadette (Melissa Rauch). Raj steps in to mediate, but as Bernadette explains some of the problems she's having, Howard interrupts her. This leads Raj to impart some very wise words: "There's a time to just listen."
Talk to any couples therapist, and you'll likely hear all about how listening is critical in any relationship. Just take it from psychologist Carl Rogers, who talks extensively about how those who feel like they're heard in a relationship tend to be less oppositional and more open with their feelings (via Psychology Today). This goes beyond just hearing the words someone else is saying. It means understanding how what they're saying goes beyond the topic at-hand, and remembering certain details later.
Howard's a talker; there's no getting around that. He usually overpowers a conversation, which makes it so impactful in this instance when Raj is the one to shut him down. From this one scene, Raj proves he has plenty of insights into romance; it's just a shame he didn't find true love by the series finale.
Oh well, perhaps a reunion down the road will give Raj the happy ending he so richly deserves.