West Lafayette, IN -- As the series end to "Friends" approaches, an expert on the emotional effects of media is warning that some fans may find themselves feeling as bad as they would if their best friends moved away.

Purdue University communications professor Glenn Sparks says many fans have what he calls a "para-social relationship" with Ross, Rachel and the rest of the gang. They feel like they really know these people, which causes them to have strong emotional reactions to the characters.

For most fans, this will lead to temporary melancholy feelings after the show wraps for good, but some will experience a profound sadness -- or even depression -- that could last for weeks.

It sounds kooky, but Sparks says as people become more mobile and move away from their best buddies again and again, they've begun to turn to TV characters to fill the void.

Dr. Sparks says the solution to this end-of"-Friends" depression is make some new acquaintances by pursuing hobbies and interests.

Solve puzzles and create your dream aquarium! Search through a dazzling trip down memory lane.

More Weird News From 2004-03-24 The day's offbeat stories from around the world. • Around The Weird: Bizarre News Briefs • Flash Lites: Rip 'N' Read Pop Culture Recap • Greeting Card Line Turns Cats Into Real Cards • The Alamo To Host Texas' Biggest Movie Premiere • Obese People Know Why They're Packing On Pounds • Law And (May I Take Your) Order • The Naked Truth: Women Read Sexually Explicit Novels • Wanted: House-Wrecking Hounds And Scratch-Happy Cats • 'Out Of Office' E-Mail Provides Automatic Stress Relief • Make New 'Friends' But Keep The Old • Telephone Software Tattles On Cheaters   « Current Weird News Stories