Top 10 Times Sheldon Was Surprisingly Nice to Someone
#10: Planning a Game Night for Bernadette “The Fermentation Bifurcation”
Sheldon and Bernadette aren’t exactly the first “Big Bang” pairing that springs to mind. But when Penny wins a wine-tasting experience, they hang out since Bernie’s pregnant and can’t drink, and Sheldon prefers his grapes in a juice box. He organizes a “fetus friendly festival of fun” for the expectant mother, including a deep conversation about trains and a detailed exploration of toast. It’s not how we’d choose to spend an evening, but it’s thought that counts, and they do end up bonding. Of course, the night’s highlight is the “Dungeons and Dragons” game Sheldon designed especially for his guest. She ends up having more fun than expected and thanks him for the much needed distraction.
#9: Toasting Leonard’s Voyage “The Bon Voyage Reaction”
Sheldon struggles with varying emotions after Leonard accepts a research position that would take him to the North Sea. On the one hand, he’s concerned for his buddy; after all, the sea can be rough. However, that’s partially just a cover-up for the green-eyed monster that reared its ugly head. Throughout the episode, Sheldon tries varying tactics to talk Leonard out of going until Penny tells him to be more supportive. So, when he gives a toast at Leonard’s Bon Voyage party, we expect a tirade of cutting comments and unkind quips. Instead, Sheldon swallows his bitterness to express genuine happiness for his buddy. He keeps it short and sweet, but it's surprisingly heartwarming.
#8: Sheldon Ups His Wedding Game “The Confidence Erosion”
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Wedding planning puts a strain on Amy and Sheldon’s relationship when their rivalry results in the event of no one’s dreams. So, they decide to bypass all the drama and head down to City Hall. Just as their names get called, Sheldon has a change of heart and expresses his love for Amy in the most Sheldon-like way. Perhaps it was City Hall’s metal detectors that brought out his romantic side, but his loving words to Amy make us melt. A few episodes later, he gives Amy the compliment he didn’t know she needed when he sees her in her wedding dress. And his vows on their big day are beautiful. We’re not crying; you are!
#7: Sticking Up for His Bestie Various
This quirky genius might be the most selfish, arrogant, and frustrating roommate, but there’s no denying his love for Leonard. Since the first episode, it’s been clear that he will always have his back. We’ve seen him stand by him during confrontations with Penny’s ex-boyfriend Kurt more than once. He was also in Lenny’s corner when his rude and obnoxious high school tormentor dropped by. It shows a lot of dedication and courage to stick by his friends when faced with such physically challenging threats. He’s also protective of Leonard’s feelings— well, he can be. When he worries that Penny might break his heart again, he pleads with her not to hurt his best friend.
#6: Loaning Penny Money “The Financial Permeability”
Dr. Cooper has many annoying qualities, but stinginess isn’t among them. When Penny shares her financial woes with him, he offers to help her out — no strings attached. He lets her take as much as she needs and doesn’t set a deadline by which she must pay him back. Penny’s super grateful to him, but tensions rise when she starts to feel the pressure of her debt. Sheldon misinterprets her reactions and innocently questions if he didn’t give her enough. Poor Sheldon, he was genuinely trying to be helpful, and his intentions were good, so her anger confuses him. Luckily, Leonard steps in to explain that this really is one of Sheldon’s best qualities. What a sweetheart!
#5: Keeping Leonard’s Secrets “The Staircase Implementation”
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Among the many things that Sheldon Cooper dislikes, lying and secrecy rank pretty high. Yet, he’s willing to do both for Leonard, whether he’s weaving a “unravelable” tale to help him save face with Penny or fabricating an Irish love interest to cover up his secret relationship with Priya. He’s even gone to extreme lengths when he’s unable to keep a secret from Leonard. As we see in the flashback episode, Sheldon also saved Leonard from revealing classified secrets to a spy and blowing up their apartment. Those are pretty big secrets! And, since they weren’t yet friends, he wasn’t obliged to keep them. Yet for years, he did, proving that Sheldon can be a gold star friend.
#4: Setting up a Scholarship Fund for Howard & Bernadette’s Child “The Application Deterioration”
The guys hit a roadblock while trying to patent their infinite persistence gyroscope. The trio takes matters into their own hands to ensure everyone gets their fair share of the profits. Understandably Bernadette is a little apprehensive about her husband signing a contract drafted by a man who consistently belittles his career. And she makes some pretty compelling points. After some discussion, Penny suggests they add a clause that obligates Sheldon to be more respectful of his friend. Sure, he had to be told to play nice, but no one told him to make those additional changes on page six. It ends up being a backhanded compliment, but the good intention and generosity were there.
#3: Refusing to Betray Amy for a Nobel Prize “The Confirmation Polarization”
Finally! Sheldon’s on the path to his lifelong dream of winning a Nobel Prize. It couldn’t be any better! He did it with his soulmate by his side, and their theory was proven by a couple of physicists from Chicago. Yes, it seems like Sheldon’s about to get everything he’s ever wanted, but then Drs. Pemberton and Campbell drop a major bombshell. As much as Sheldon would love to win a Nobel Prize, he loves Amy even more. So, when faced with deciding between the two, it’s a no-brainer. Sheldon’s no romance ninja, but this is arguably one of the most romantic and sweetest things he’s ever done. Do they give out Nobels for being the cutest?
#2: His Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech “The Stockholm Syndrome”
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It's no secret that Sheldon could be a pretty awful friend. By the series finale, he's pretty much alienated everyone. But after an emotional heart-to-heart with Amy, he abandons his pre-prepared egotistical Nobel acceptance speech and speaks straight from the heart. He dedicates his success to his family and friends, finally showing them the gratitude they deserve. Who doesn’t well up when Sheldon acknowledges the role his loved ones played in his accomplishments? And when he asks each of his friends to stand, we’re a complete mess. All the characters evolved over the seasons, but this moment shows leaps and bounds in Sheldon's personal growth. Who knew Sheldon Cooper could make us ugly cry? Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Offering Penny Career Advice, “The Occupation Recalibration” He Encourages Her to Chase Her Dreams Not Taking Sides after Leonard & Penny Split, “The Spaghetti Catalyst” His Desire to Keep Everyone Happy Is Uncharacteristically Touching Making Amy A “Little House on the Prairie” Themed Birthday Dinner, “The Celebration Reverberation” Sure, They Got Food Poisoning, but It’s the Thought That Counts, Right? Sheldon Uses Science to Cheer up Howard, “The Closet Reconfiguration” Thanks to Sheldon, Howard’s Comforted with Varying Accounts of What Was in His Dad’s Letter Hugging Penny, “The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis” Sheldon Showing Gratitude? It’s a Saturnalia Miracle!
#1: Consoling Howard after His Mom Dies “The Comic Book Store Regeneration”
Throughout this episode, Sheldon's being his typical self-centered and annoying self. He's mad at Amy for collaborating with Kripke, so Penny tries to teach him how to let go of his anger. During the healing process, he annoys Penny by revealing that Amy's been testing her intelligence. By the end of the episode, almost everyone's at odds, but then Howard receives some heartbreaking news. Everyone's at a loss for words except, of course, Sheldon. However, rather than say something insensitive and inappropriate, as we all expected, his words are heartfelt and comforting. And, in a way, he's also telling his friends how much he values them. Sheldon doesn't often do sympathy, so when he does, it’s always a welcome surprise.
