There may be a few haters out there (aren’t there always?) but for the most part, America adores Jennifer Aniston. We love her, heart her, want to be her best friend … or maybe even feel a little like we already are.

Since she first appeared on our television sets in that dripping wet, white gown after running out on her own wedding, women across the country fell in love with Rachel on Friends. We ran to our hairstylists gripping pictures of her layered locks begging them to give us the “The Rachel”, and we were glued to our televisions each Thursday night.

 For 10 years we empathized with her as she endured heartache and love and breakups and despair. We rooted for her to get the guy and mourned with her when lost him.

And now five years after the show’s finale, we’re still rooting for her to get the guy and mourning with her as we watch her romantic disasters play out in real life. We still love her and want her to be our friend more than ever.

But why? What is it about Jennifer Aniston that evokes this emotional outpouring from so many?