History Main / BestFriendManual

Often packaged as a convenient one-liner in response to a confused/abused expression or exclamation, the Manual Moment is a dialog device. It's a short, essential insight into understanding why someone is suddenly wanting to act out a chapter of "How to Deal With Difficult People," given by someone who can get inside their head.

The Manual, usually a friend, ex-lover or family member, has already leveled up in the area of understanding that particular model of VCR. They're ready to shepherd the n00b around the traps and over-reactions into greener pastures with a simple and unintuitive insight. Compare CloudCuckoolandersMinder.

* ''{{Bones}}'': Angela often provides tips on dealing with the title character.

* Frequently used in ''TheBigBangTheory'' regarding Sheldon - most often to [[FishOutOfWater Penny]], but sometimes from Leonard to the other guys who aren't quite so used to him (as evidenced by the page quote).
** Though it should be noted that Sheldon really did come with an manual of sorts in the form of The Roommate Agreement which Leonard had to sign. It's full of various rules for their interactions.
*** Which are mostly rules that let Leonard know not to do X thing that will annoy Sheldon sufficiently to make him unbearable.

* Kaldur in ''WesternAnimation/YoungJustice'' ends up explaining Wally's disbelief in magic to the rest of the team. Kaldur is himself a practitioner, and he and Wally have known each other for years.

The Manual, usually a friend, ex-lover or family member, has already leveled up in the area of understanding that particular model of VCR. They're ready to shepherd the n00b around the traps and over-reactions into greener pastures with a simple and unintuitive insight.

** House, being a character inspired by Franchise/SherlockHolmes (with his manipulative tendencies dialed way past eleven) ones a manual for every major character, patient of the week, clinic patient, and passer-by on the show.

-->'''House''': Yeah, I do.

* ''BuffyTheVampireSlayer'': Riley solicits advice from Willow on how best to approach the Slayer.

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** James acts as this for Dylan, and there is also a real manual which is circulated by email amongst new WARPlings.

* James acts as this for Dylan in ''Literature/KillTimeOrDieTrying''
-->'''James:''' You don't just wake him up! There's a procedure.

* Much of the dialog in ''{{House}}'' is devoted to troubleshooting. They're not really manuals when throwing out conjectures, but House's ex-girlfriend and Wilson, and later his former team, have enough experience to strip him down sometimes.

It's three strengths are that it establishes a meaningful relationship between the Manual and the... "Blinking VCR character"; it provides characterization for the VCR; and most importantly, it skips over the messy "coming to an understanding" process that would otherwise require awkward frustrated encounters and use up the time slot.

* Kaldur in ''YoungJustice'' ends up explaining Wally's disbelief in magic to the rest of the team. Kaldur is himself a practitioner, and he and Wally have known each other for years.

-->-Yuusuke: You're a hell of an actor. Not everyone can pretend to laugh at their dying friends.
-->-Hiei: Friends are a crutch for the weak. I only saved you because I might need you later.
-->-Kurama: That's his way of saying 'You're welcome'. You will learn.

** Which are mostly rules for things Leonard isn't allowed to do and rules that let Sheldon boss him around.

->'''Howard:''' [to Penny] Try telling [Sheldon] it's a non-optional social convention.

* ''YuYuHakasho'': Kurama/Hiei after the gate of betrayal, to bystander Yuusuke.

* Kurama/Hiei after the gate of betrayal, to bystander Yuusuke.

* Much of the dialog in ''{{House}}'' is devoted to troubleshooting. They're not really manuals when throwing out conjectures, but House's ex-girlfriend and Wilson, and later his former team, have enough experience to strip him down so''metimes.

* Much of the dialog in ''{{House}}'' is devoted to troubleshooting. They're not really manuals when throwing out conjectures, but House's ex-wife and Wilson, and later his former team, have enough experience to strip him down so''metimes.

* {{Bones}}'', Angela/Bones as quoted at the top of the page.
* Willow-Buffy, after Riley solicits advice on approaching the Slayer.

* Frequently used in ''TheBigBangTheory'' regarding Sheldon - most often to [[FishOutOfWater Penny]], but sometimes from Leonard to the other guys who aren't quite so used to him.
-->'''Leonard:''' ''Just tell him it's a "non-optional social convention"''
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* Much of the dialog in {{House}} is devoted to troubleshooting. They're not really manuals when throwing out conjectures, but House's ex-wife and Wilson, and later his former team, have enough experience to strip him down sometimes.
* {{Bones}}, Angela/Bones as quoted at the top of the page.

* GakuenHeaven sets characters up in neat pairs, so you don't have to reach far for the Manual. Omi/Saionji, King/Hideaki...

->'''Willow:''' "She likes cheese. I'm not saying it's the key to her heart, but Buffy...she likes cheese."
-->-- {{Buffy}}, "The Initiative"

->'''Angela:''' "It's best to just ride it out...like an earthquake."
-->-- {{Bones}}, "Man in the SUV"

* Much of the dialog is {{House}} is devoted to troubleshooting. They're not really manuals when throwing out conjectures, but House's ex-wife and Wilson, and later his former team, have enough experience to strip him down sometimes.

* HowToLoseAGuyInTenDays has the mother let slip that Andie is the first girl Ben ever brought home. It's not exactly advice, but it's a "heads up" insight that let her see the context.