Joey buys a big screen TV and two leather recliners with his newfound money. Monica has a catering job for one of her parents' friends and becomes infatuated. Ross and Rachel attempt to have their first real date, but Rachel laughs every time they kiss. When they try again the next evening, they are interrupted when Ross is called into the museum.

After having a fight with Chandler, Joey decides to move out. Rachel and Phoebe decide to get tattoos. And, on his birthday, Mr. Geller receives the unsettling news that his best friend and his daughter are dating.

Chandler learns more about his new roommate, Eddie. Ross is stressed out to learn that Rachel had 'animal sex' with Paolo. Richard and Monica are uncomfortable to learn what their numbers of ex-lovers are. Joey's remarks to a fan magazine could cause him to lose his job playing Dr Ramoray.

Monica's new boyfriend impresses Chandler and Joey. Phoebe's world view is shattered when she finds out what she missed as a child, and Rachel resents the fact that Ross has planned their whole life together.

Phoebe's submariner ex-boyfriend visits New York on leave for 2 weeks from the Navy. Unfortunately, Phoebe catches chicken pox at Ben's first birthday party. When Monica realizes that Richard has no real neuroses, she worries that she is too strange for him. Chandler organizes a job as a processor for Joey.

Rachel agrees to be maid of honor at her ex-fiancé's wedding; she relives the nightmare of her own failed wedding day. Meanwhile, Chandler becomes enamored with a woman he meets on the Internet, but is surprised when he finally meets her. Monica ponders her future with Richard.

Monica's willpower is tested when she runs into Richard at the video store. Rachel agrees to read The Shining if Joey reads Little Women. Phoebe's athletic date has a problem with short shorts.

Chandler plans to propose to Monica at dinner, but his plans go awry when Richard shows up at the same restaurant. Meanwhile, Phoebe and Joey join Rachel at a charity auction only to discover that Joey isn't aware what a silent auction is. And Ross and Elizabeth's relationship comes to a crossroad.

Chandler continues to pretend to hate the idea of marriage, unaware that Richard wants Monica back. Meanwhile, Rachel and Phoebe discuss their 'back-up' plans, if they are not married by the time they're 40.