Although The Big Bang Theory is an ensemble cast, with a friend group consisting of Sheldon, Leonard, Raj, and Howard, the group was broken into two pairs: Sheldon and Leonard, and Raj and Howard. Raj and Howard had a deeper bond and were connected in such a way that many thought they were in a romantic relationship.
The wholesome bromance between Howard and Raj was one of the best parts of the series. Although Howard got married and had kids, Raj was always a big part of his and his family's life — and they have hilarious quotes to prove it.
Howard (To Bernadette)
"I Love You." Raj: "I Love You Too, We're Good."
In The Big Bang Theory, Howard and Bernadette's relationship timeline expanded with the birth of their daughter. Raj was incredibly excited to be an uncle and Godfather to his best friend's daughter.
In one scene, Raj drove Howard, Bernadette, and Stewart to the hospital when Bernadette felt contractions. Howard was trying to calm down his wife in the backseat and told her he was sorry for panicking and that he loved her. Hilariously, Raj assumed Howard was talking to him and responded sweetly. This showed how close Raj and Howard were and that they've probably spoken this way before.
Raj
"I May Be Scared Of Heights And Spiders And Showing Up At A Costume party That Turns Out To Be A Regular Party, But I Am Not Scared Of Sharing The Spotlight With You!"
Howard and Raj loved each other but some moments made fans believe their friendship wasn't real. As the series went on, Raj grew tired of Howard's jokes that were at his expense.
When Raj got a job at the Planetarium, Howard thought it would be a great idea to do it together because Howard had experience in space. When Raj shot him down, Howard assumed it was because Raj didn't want to share the spotlight. Raj pleaded his reasoning, proving that although these two were best friends that didn't mean that they always had to agree. Friendship means transparency despite hurt feelings, which is what was done here.
Howard
"30 Years From Now, If You're Still Single And Things Don't Work Out With Me And Bernadette You And I Can Give It A Go."
In the 10th season, Raj was tired of being single and wanted to confront his exes to see what he was doing wrong in his relationships. Raj's relationships often ended abruptly, with him heartbroken and confused.
After his conversation with the women, Howard tried making him feel better by letting him know he'd marry him in 30 years if they were both single. This is one of the best quotes because it shows the two can have humor in dark moments, but it also shows how deeply Howard cared for Raj.
Couples Therapy
Howard: We're Just Saying All The Things We Love About Each other." Raj: "Oh, Like You And I Did At Couple's Therapy?"
In the eighth season, Raj was upset when he found out his parents were divorcing. Raj's sad news upset Bernadette and as a way to improve their relationship, Bernadette suggested she and Howard work on their communication. Howard noted they could do what he learned in therapy and tell each other all of the things that they love about each other.
When Raj ed the scene and heard what they were doing, he made it known that the two of them did this before in couple's therapy. The funny moment didn't surprise Bernadette and only made fans like these two friends more.
The Debate
Howard: "What, I'm Not Hot Enough For Angelina Jolie?" Raj: "I'd Like To Weigh In Here, No."
At the start of Howard and Bernadette's relationship, he was beside himself when he found out how attractive Bernadette's ex-boyfriend was. His jealousy made him act ridiculous at a science they were a part of, and he asked her in front of everyone if he was hot enough for a woman like Angelina Jolie.
While Bernadette stayed silent, Raj hilarious chimed in "no." The ability to be honest with each other while still being loyal best friends is what made Howard and Raj the show's best friends.
Notting Hill
Raj: "Are You Saying, You're Just A Boy Standing In Front Of Another Boy, Saying You Don't Want Him To Leave?" Howard: "Sure."
In the 12th and final season, Raj finally found a great girlfriend, Anu. Anu and Raj were set up by their families and agreed to be in an arranged marriage as they got to know each other. Things were going well until Anu announced she was moving to London for work.
Raj was ready to move to London to start a new life but Howard stopped him at the airport. He expressed how much Raj meant to him and that he shouldn't leave the life he knew for Anu. Howard's words did the trick and Raj came home with Howard after a big hug in front of everyone.
The Spark
Howard: "Hey, Would You Mind If Raj And I Went Away This Weekend?" Bernadette: "Well, It Is Important For You Two To Keep The Spark Alive."
It's an unpopular opinion to dislike Howard and Raj's one-on-one scenes as they bring about a ton of humor. Raj and Howard act more like a couple at times, which Howard's wife Bernadette has had to get used to over the years.
In one scene, Howard asks Bernadette if he and Raj could get away for the weekend. Understanding the needs of their friendship, Bernadette hilariously responded that it was important for them to keep the spark alive. Knowing that Bernadette was okay with being the third wheel at times made the unit's bond all the funnier.
I Love You
Raj: "I'm Proud Of You. You're My Best Friend And I Love You." Howard: "I Love You Too."
Some of the best episodes revolved around Howard and Raj being real with each other. Although they were best friends, Howard was often sarcastic with Raj and his jokes were sometimes hurtful. Raj ignored Howard but there came a time when the two butted heads because Raj felt taken advantage of.
Things between the two got better when Raj showed respect for Howard and his profession in front of his lecture hall. In return, Howard told the crowd what an amazing astrophysicist Raj was that he loved him. This was a sweet moment for the two (with some of the best quotes).
After A Fight
Howard: "Raj, Wait..." Raj: "What Took You So Long?"
When Howard and Raj created a band, they butt heads when it came to song choices. At Howard's house, Howard told Raj he didn't need him and quit the band. He told Raj to get out of his house and Raj stormed out "with pleasure."
A few seconds later though, Howard knew he was too hard on Raj and didn't mean it. He screamed for Raj to come back, but Raj never left in the first place. Raj popped around the corner and hugged his friend. Quick apologies like this rarely happened with Leonard or Sheldon.
Chips
Howard: "I Don't Know - Sounds Kind Of Heavy." Raj: "That's Because You Aways Fill Up On Chips!"
Raj and Howard's friendship followed them to work, home, and beyond. There was rarely a day the two were without each other.
In one scene, Raj proved how well he knew Howard when he suggested Mexican food for dinner and Howard replied that it was a little heavy. Raj refuted, "That's because you fill up on chips!" proving that he knew Howard better than he knew himself. It's small moments like these that make Howard and Raj best friends in TBBT.