The phrase made popular by the American sitcom Friends A metaphor for finding lasting love, this phrase appears commonly on merchandise, typically around Valentine's Day. (more) Do Lobsters Mate for Life? Written by Manjishtha Bhattacharyya Manjishtha Bhattacharyya is an editor at Encyclopaedia Britannica. She holds a PhD in zoology from Vidyasagar University, West Bengal, and has more than seven years of experience in science communication... Manjishtha Bhattacharyya Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Apr. 23, 2026 •History The cheerful and quirky Phoebe Buffay—played by Lisa Kudrow in the American sitcom Friends—would have us believe that lobsters mate for life. In episode 14 of the sitcom’s second season, she says, “It’s a known fact that lobsters fall in love and mate for life. You know what, you can actually see old lobster couples walking around their tank, you know, holding claws.” Where did Phoebe get this zoological insight? The show doesn’t say, nor...

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