Who Did You Prefer with Steve on Family Matters: Laura or Myra? If You Were Steve, Who Would You Choose?
The love triangle in Family Matters—Steve Urkel, Laura Winslow, and Myra Monkhouse—was more than just a subplot. It sparked deep emotions, debates, and even life lessons for viewers who grew up with the show. The big question remains: who was the better match for Steve?
Let’s dive deep into this classic television dilemma and explore the pros and cons of both relationships to determine who truly deserved Steve’s heart.
Understanding Steve Urkel: More Than a Nerdy Stereotype
Steve Urkel wasn’t just comic relief. He was smart, sensitive, determined, and most of all—genuine.
A Brilliant Mind Behind the Laugh
Steve was a prodigy. He invented time machines, transformation chambers, and gadgets that pushed the boundaries of what a teen should be capable of. Behind his clumsiness was a genius mind.
Loyal to the Core
No matter how many times Laura rejected him, Steve never wavered in his love. That kind of loyalty is rare, and it’s part of what made him so endearing to audiences.
Laura Winslow: The Dream Girl
The Classic Girl Next Door
Laura was beautiful, smart, and popular. She was the quintessential girl that every nerdy guy dreamed of dating. That’s exactly what Steve did—for years.
Her Complicated Relationship with Steve
Early on, Laura wanted nothing to do with Steve romantically. She often dismissed him and rolled her eyes at his advances. But over time, she softened. By the end of the series, she genuinely loved him—but it took years.
Did She Love Steve or Stefan?
This is a big sticking point. When Steve became the smooth, charming Stefan Urquelle, Laura was hooked. But was she truly falling for Steve, or just the cool version of him?
Myra Monkhouse: The Devoted Partner
Loved Him for Who He Was
Myra was head-over-heels for the real Steve Urkel from day one. She didn’t need him to transform. She loved his quirks, his intellect, and even his awkwardness.
Smart, Beautiful, and Loyal
Myra was attractive, witty, and shared Steve’s passion for science and invention. They had a lot in common, and their chemistry was undeniable.
Her Downfall: Obsession
While Myra started out as a sincere love interest, her character became overly attached and possessive in later episodes. That shift made her less likable, but the core of her affection remained sincere.
The Love Triangle Breakdown
Emotional Compatibility
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Steve and Laura: Long history, but mostly one-sided until the very end.
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Steve and Myra: Immediate chemistry and shared interests.
Mutual Respect and Support
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Laura: Took a long time to appreciate Steve, often dismissing him.
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Myra: Supported and celebrated Steve from the beginning.
Toxic Traits in the Relationships
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Laura: Often acted superior and belittled Steve.
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Myra: Became controlling and obsessive in later seasons.
Who Grew the Most as a Character?
Laura’s Growth
Laura eventually came to appreciate Steve, not just Stefan. Her journey from superficial crushes to real love gave her depth as a character.
Myra’s Decline
Myra started strong but was written into a corner. Her character development stalled, and her increasing jealousy made her difficult to root for near the end.
What Did Fans Think?
Fans remain divided to this day:
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Team Laura: Believes true love won in the end and praises Laura’s eventual maturity.
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Team Myra: Argues that Myra loved Steve before he was accepted by anyone else.
What If You Were Steve?
Let’s look at it from Steve’s perspective.
Why Choose Laura?
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Lifelong dream come true.
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She eventually saw him for who he truly was.
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Their journey came full circle.
Why Choose Myra?
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She accepted and adored him from the beginning.
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They shared more common interests.
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Her love was genuine, even if intense.
Real-Life Lessons from Steve’s Love Life
Know Your Worth
Steve spent years chasing someone who didn’t want him, while someone else truly cherished him for who he was. There’s a lesson in that.
Don’t Settle for One-Sided Love
As romantic as chasing your dream might sound, real relationships thrive on mutual love and respect.
Change Isn’t Always Necessary
You shouldn’t have to change into someone else (like Stefan) to earn love. The right person will love the real you.
The Writers’ Decision: Laura Winslow
In the end, the writers gave us a satisfying sitcom conclusion—Steve married Laura. It was sweet, nostalgic, and poetic. But was it realistic? That’s still debated.
Who Was the Better Fit for Steve?
This isn’t just about fandoms or character popularity. It’s about connection, mutual growth, and shared vision. Myra may have been intense, but her love was unconditional. Laura took her time, but her growth showed that she could eventually match Steve’s heart.
Conclusion: Love or Loyalty? The Final Verdict
Choosing between Laura and Myra is choosing between a dream and a reality. Laura represented hope, persistence, and ultimate success. Myra represented unconditional love, appreciation, and authenticity.
If I were Steve, I’d ask myself this: do I want the girl I chased for years, or the girl who saw my worth from the beginning?
There’s no easy answer—but there’s definitely a meaningful one.
5 Unique FAQs
1. Did Steve and Myra ever break up officially?
Yes, Steve broke up with Myra after realizing his feelings for Laura had grown stronger and more serious.
2. Was Laura always intended to end up with Steve?
Most likely, yes. Steve’s love for Laura was a central theme from day one, and the writers built toward that long-term arc.
3. Why did fans love Myra so much?
Because she loved Steve for who he was, not who he could become. She never needed him to change.
4. Did Steve actually love Myra?
Steve cared deeply for Myra but never loved her the way he loved Laura. His heart was always with Laura.
5. Could a reboot explore a different ending?
Absolutely. A reboot could give more depth to Myra’s story or even reimagine the ending based on modern values.
