Ross had been in love with Rachel since the ninth grade. His love for her is put on hold for a few years (y'know, being married to Carole!) but in the Pilot episode she runs into Central Perk and he falls in love again. During the first season, he tries to tell her how he feels, but Ex-fioncees and Italien guys get in the way. In the season finale, Chandler lets slip that he was in love with her while Ross was in China, and Rachel decides to give the Relationship a go. However, there is a surprise waiting for her at the gate. It's Ross with his new girlfriend Julie. Rachel fights with her feelings for a couple of weeks, but one night, on a date she gets totally drunk and leaves a message on Ross' answerphone saying that she was over him. The next day Ross comes over having spent the night at Julie's and checks his messages from their phone. Rachel realises what she's said and jumps onto Ross to prevent him from hearing. But he has already heard. That night they have a big argument but they finally kiss! All ends well until Ross has to choose between Rachel and Julie. So he makes a list, noting their good and bad points, and decides to break up with Julie. But Rachel has seen the list and she's not happy. In the next few episodes Ross tries to get Rachel back by acting like a complete dork. Rachels heart softens when she sees an old prom video that changes her mind and she goes and kisses Ross. They are together FINALLY!