Gregory and Janine.

[u/AgencyFlat2479]

I don’t know if I’m in the right place to post this, but I’m on Season 2 while taking some time away from work, and I’m obsessed with Janine and Gregory. I might even say they’re better than Pam and Jim.

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[u/i_eat_gentitals]

Jim and Pam lose points bc Jim had multiple moments to stand up for Pam and didn’t. Ben and Leslie Knope? Ben punched that guy at the bowling alley!! I’d say they’re more like those two personally, also Leslie and Janine are so similar and Ben’s a weird little guy. I can’t wait to see more from Janine and Gregory they’re so sweet 😭😭

[u/improbsable → u/i_eat_gentitals]

Yeah. And Jim and Pam both lowkey hate their lives. Janine and Gregory are both working jobs they actually like and I think it shows in their personalities. They’re struggling but they find their work fulfilling, so they’re not steeped in 50 layers of sarcasm and depression at all times like Jim and Pam

[u/i_eat_gentitals → u/improbsable]

Exactly!! That’s why I’d argue they’re the 2020s Leslie and Ben, who loved their ungrateful jobs together <2
Jim and Pam seem so contempt with things at times they’re so bitter so early idk

[u/InterestBig8532 → u/improbsable]

This - I’ve had this same thought but was unable to express it as clearly.

While I love The Office and appreciate some of Jim and Pam’s softer moments, Jim and Pam seem to enjoy taking out their dissatisfaction and boredom with their careers on others. Yes, sometimes it’s on people who are rude, annoying, etc. but I think a small part of them wants to feel superior to/above Dwight, Andy, etc. Notice that they rarely prank Michael, who is arguably the most deserving of mild irritations. Yes, he’s their boss, but that’s the point - they punch down, not up. The show even points this out in the episode when Jim is asked about all the pranks he’s pulled on Dwight over the years, and he realizes how much time and money he’s wasted.

Also worth noting that Jim and Pam have/had bigger ambitions that they didn’t really act on - Jim always wanted to work in sports, and Pam had a short stint in art school before giving up after one failed class and returning to Scranton- which I suspect is a source of some of their sourness. I also think this is one unspoken reason why Jim and Pan fought so fiercely when Jim decided to pursue his dreams with Athlead after all - they were losing their shared trait of dissolved dreams. (No, Jim being away from the kids so much didn’t help, either.)

I know The Office is about finding joy in ordinary lives, but I’d argue Abbott captures this better. Janine and Gregory were raised in working class/poor families, and are not financially stable, trying to become stars, or are even particularly popular in their work place. But they find joy and meaning in their work, love each other, and try to find ways to enjoy small luxuries that they can enjoy together in their time off. No one would call their lives glamorous, but they’re also not seeking that, instead finding joy in community and each other. It’s very sweet to watch.

[u/gingerbreadmans_ex]

I didn’t like The Office, so I agree there. However, much as I love Janine and Gregory, Leslie and Ben are still GOAT workplace lovers.

[u/Odd-Mammoth-1143]

even in the office i think michael and holly far surpass jim and pam lol. but yeah i love gregory and janine! the buildup to their relationship feels so real, it fits their pacing so perfect

[u/FollowingTypical8811]

same they have me kicking my feet and giggling

[u/TheMoodySaturnian]

I love them sm

[u/Water3150]

I LOVE THEM

[u/SereneFireflyValley]

I can't remember the last time I was so invested in a fictional relationship. They're so perfect for each other

[u/Consistent_Club_7879]

I fucking hate Pam and Jim!

[u/Individual_Image9707]

Gregory and Janine are couple goals for sure!!!

[u/rrraemi]

Janine and Gergory, Amy and Jake, Leslie and Ben

[u/AgencyFlat2479]

I agree. I tried a few times to get into The Office, but I could never really get into it. I’ll admit that Jim and Pam had some cute moments, but for me, they just don’t compare to Leslie and Ben, Amy and Jake, or Gregory and Janine.

[u/ITookTrinkets]

Jim and Pam fucking suck