A Love Story That Deserved Better
When you think about Family Matters, one name probably pops into your head: Steve Urkel. The suspenders. The squeaky voice. The relentless pursuit of one girl—Laura Winslow. It was funny, it was awkward, and it was classic ’90s sitcom gold.
But here’s the twist: What if the real love story wasn’t Steve and Laura at all?
What if Myra Monkhouse, the sweet, slightly obsessive, but deeply loyal girl who adored Steve for exactly who he was, was actually his perfect match?
Let’s talk about it.
The Steve & Laura Obsession
Steve chased Laura like a moth to a flame. It was his whole thing—flowers, inventions, awkward dates, you name it. And Laura? She tolerated him at best, rolled her eyes constantly, and even mocked him.
So… why were we rooting for them?
The Sitcom Trope Trap
Look, we get it. Nerd pursues popular girl, wins her over, and everyone claps. It’s a classic underdog story. But is that real love? Or just a tired TV trope with no real emotional payoff?
Enter Myra Monkhouse: The Girl Who Got Steve
Myra wasn’t just a side character. She was the first person who saw Steve—not as a project to fix, but as someone to love. She didn’t want him to “cool up.” She liked the suspenders. She liked the cheese. She liked him.
Now that’s rare.
Real Compatibility vs. Forced Chemistry
Laura always wanted Stefan Urquelle—Steve’s smoothed-out, cool alter ego. She didn’t fall for Steve until he became someone else. That alone says a lot.
Myra? She was down for the real Steve—the one who snorted when he laughed and spilled grape soda during date nights.
Myra & Steve Were Cut From the Same Cloth
They both geeked out over science. They were quirky. They were weird—and in the best way. You could tell they had fun. It wasn’t all drama or tension—it was joyful, playful, and balanced.
That’s relationship goals right there.
Why Steve Ultimately Chose Laura (And Why It Felt Off)
When Steve finally ended up with Laura, it felt like… a checklist. Not passion. Not destiny. Just a “wrap-it-up” moment because, well, fans expected it.
But if you rewatch those later episodes, the spark? It’s just not there.
Myra Loved First. And She Loved Best.
She didn’t need him to change. She didn’t flinch at the high-pitched voice or the clumsiness. Myra showed up. Every time. That kind of ride-or-die energy is rare—even in fiction.
Was Myra Too Much? Or Was She Just Misunderstood?
Some argue she was obsessive. But here’s the thing—her “obsession” came from a place of admiration, not control. She was passionate, yes. But insecure? Who wouldn’t be, watching the guy you love pine after someone who barely noticed him?
The Writers Did Her Dirty
In the later seasons, Myra was written off as clingy or jealous. They flattened her out to make Laura look better. It wasn’t fair—and fans noticed. She went from being Steve’s equal to the comic relief. A sad downgrade.
What Could’ve Been: An Alternate Ending
Picture this: Steve wakes up. He realizes Laura was a fantasy, not his forever. He sees Myra for the loyal, loving woman she always was. He runs to her, gives her one of those awkward hugs, and says, “Did I do that?” Yes, Steve. Yes, you did.
Roll credits.
Off-Screen Chemistry That Changed Everything
Fun fact: Michelle Thomas (who played Myra) and Jaleel White (Steve) had amazing chemistry on and off the screen. He even wrote about her in his memoir with so much affection. That connection? You can’t fake that.
Tragically, the Story Ended Too Soon
Michelle Thomas passed away in 1998. Her death was not only heartbreaking for fans but a huge blow to the potential storylines the show could’ve explored. Steve and Myra never got their closure—on or off screen.
Why Myra Still Matters Today
In a world full of filters, expectations, and conditional love, Myra represents something real. She reminds us that true love isn’t about who looks good on paper—it’s about who shows up, every day, loving you exactly as you are.
Steve and Myra: A Lesson in Self-Worth
At the heart of it, their relationship teaches us a powerful truth: You deserve someone who sees the best in you without needing to change a thing.
Conclusion: The Love Story We Should’ve Celebrated
Steve and Laura may be the couple the show ended with—but they weren’t the couple fans truly loved. Myra was the girl who stood by Steve when no one else did. She was loyal, kind, brilliant, and just as wonderfully weird.
So here’s to Myra Monkhouse—the unsung hero of Family Matters. The one who got away… but shouldn’t have.
FAQs
1. Why didn’t Steve end up with Myra on the show?
The writers likely chose to follow the predictable route of nerd-gets-the-girl by pairing Steve with Laura, despite deeper chemistry with Myra.
2. Did Jaleel White prefer Myra over Laura?
Yes. In his memoir, he spoke highly of Michelle Thomas and even imagined rebooting the show with Steve married to Myra.
3. Was Myra really obsessed, or just passionate?
While passionate, Myra’s love came from a genuine place. She never tried to change Steve, unlike Laura, who only liked Stefan.
4. What happened to Michelle Thomas (Myra)?
Michelle tragically passed away in 1998 from cancer. Her loss deeply affected fans and co-stars alike.
5. Why do fans still talk about Myra today?
Because she was real. Relatable. She loved fearlessly—and fans recognized that kind of rare, unconditional love.
