10 How I Met Your Mother Moments That Prove Ted Is A Total Jerk
7. Trying His Best To Cheat On Victoria
Back in season one, Ted Mosby was mostly a decent kind of guy. A little pushy, a little needy, sure, but his heart was in the right place. We get our first glimpse at just what kind of a jerk he really is in mid mid-season episode “Nothing Good Happens After 2AM”.
The show loved coining truisms, and this is one of its best. During his brief long distance relationship with Victoria, both Ted and Robin feel lonesome at the same time. Robin invites him over, and a night of passion is on the cards.
The worst aspect of Ted’s behaviour here is his rationalisation. He tries to spin his current situation in a manner that would allow him to spend the night with Robin while continuing his relationship with Victoria. He looks to his friends to give him the approval he needs, and when they won’t give it, he plods on regardless.
He lies to Robin, claiming he and Victoria have broken up, and when she finds out, she understandably kicks him out. Future Ted shows a little self awareness here as he acknowledges his bad behaviour, but there’s plenty more yet to come.