For years, fans of Family Matters grew up watching Steve Urkel chase after Laura Winslow with the persistence of a romantic hero and the awkward charm of a sitcom legend. His undying devotion to Laura became one of the cornerstones of ’90s television. But what if we told you that Laura wasn’t actually the true love of Steve Urkel’s life?
What if the girl meant for him — the one who saw his worth from day one, the one who matched his quirks, his energy, and his heart — was right there the entire time?
Yes, we’re talking about Myra Monkhouse, the brilliant, bubbly character whose love for Steve was genuine, deep, and refreshingly unconditional.
Let’s dive into why Myra, not Laura, was the character who truly understood Steve Urkel — and why fans still debate this love triangle decades later.
Why Laura Was Never Truly Meant for Steve
Laura Winslow was the girl-next-door archetype, the popular one, the sensible one, the one Steve couldn’t stop idolizing. His crush on her was cute at first, but as the seasons went on, something became clear:
Laura didn’t return Steve’s love — not fully, not honestly, not until years later where the show forced the romance to work.
Laura:
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Often rejected Steve
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Frequently became annoyed by him
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Underestimated him
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Took years to see his value
And while Laura eventually warmed up to him, their connection never had the natural chemistry that Steve had with someone else.
Enter Myra Monkhouse: The Girl Who Loved Steve from Day One
Myra Monkhouse was the complete opposite of Laura when it came to romance. She cherished every part of Steve Urkel, even the parts Laura found irritating. Myra adored his intelligence, his science experiments, his passionate personality, and even his famous snort-laugh.
She never tried to change him.
She never judged him.
She supported him — loudly, proudly, and joyfully.
In a show built on love lessons, Myra embodied what unconditional affection looks like.
Myra Saw Steve’s Genius — And Encouraged It
Myra didn’t merely tolerate Steve’s quirks. She embraced his brilliance. She admired his inventions, his nerdiness, his enthusiasm for science, and his unstoppable imagination.
She even pushed him to grow, both emotionally and academically. Myra appreciated the very qualities Laura initially dismissed.
This wasn’t puppy love — it was compatibility.
Chemistry That Felt Real
While Laura and Steve had a long-running storyline, the chemistry between Steve and Myra felt
natural,
smooth,
and undeniably electric.
When they were together, the emotional and comedic energy skyrocketed. Their scenes had a sweet, wholesome rhythm that made fans smile every time.
A Love Triangle That Split the Fanbase
Even today, the debate continues:
Team Laura or Team Myra?
Many fans believe Steve and Laura ended up together simply because the writers followed the predictable “nerd gets the popular girl” trope. It fit the fairytale, sure — but did it fit the characters?
Others argue that Myra was too possessive, too obsessive, too much. But even in her most over-the-top moments, she loved Steve wholeheartedly.
And truthfully?
Steve loved Laura — but Myra loved Steve.
Myra Gave Steve What Laura Never Could
Let’s break it down. Myra offered Steve:
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Unconditional acceptance
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Genuine admiration
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Compatibility in intellect and personality
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Support for his dreams and identity
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Affection without judgment
These are the foundations of a real, lasting partnership. Myra brought emotional balance to Steve’s life. She admired what made him unique instead of wishing he were someone else.
Laura and Steve: The Forced Endgame
By the later seasons, fans could feel the push: the writers wanted Steve and Laura to end up together. Even though the chemistry wasn’t as strong as expected, the show leaned into wrapping it up with a classic sitcom ending.
But fans who paid attention know the truth:
Steve and Myra had the stronger emotional connection.
Their love had depth. It felt honest.
Why Fans Still Root for Myra
Years after Family Matters ended, the love triangle remains one of its biggest talking points. Many fans still argue that Myra was the right choice because:
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She admired Steve’s quirks.
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She didn’t try to change him.
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She balanced his personality perfectly.
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Their relationship felt organic.
Myra remains one of the most beloved supporting characters on the show — and for good reason.
Myra’s Legacy on the Show
Even after leaving the series, Myra’s character left a huge emotional imprint. She helped define Steve’s self-worth and showed viewers that everyone deserves someone who appreciates them for who they truly are.
Her character represented:
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Emotional authenticity
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Quirky charm
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Undeniable loyalty
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True romantic chemistry
Fans still miss her presence.
Why the Steve–Myra Romance Still Matters Today
In a world full of complicated relationships and social pressure, Steve and Myra’s story teaches a simple lesson:
The right person loves you for you.
Not for who you could be.
Not for who they want you to become.
Just you.
It’s a message that resonates even more today.
Looking Back: Should Steve Have Ended Up With Myra?
If the show were written today, many fans believe Myra would’ve been Steve’s endgame. Modern audiences love authenticity and value relationships built on acceptance. The Steve–Myra dynamic fits that perfectly.
Their chemistry, humor, and shared quirks made them one of the most memorable pairs in ’90s sitcom history.
The Heartbreaking Real-Life Goodbye
Michelle Thomas, the talented actress who played Myra Monkhouse, tragically passed away in 1998. This emotional event brought deeper meaning to the character and her place in the show. Her legacy only strengthened the love fans feel for Myra today.
Why the Debate Will Never Die
The love triangle embodies everything fans adore about Family Matters:
romance, humor, character growth, emotional lessons, and unforgettable personalities.
Whether you’re Team Laura or Team Myra, one thing’s clear: Steve Urkel changed TV forever — and the women who loved him shaped some of the show’s most iconic moments.
Conclusion
While Family Matters tried to convince viewers that Laura was Steve Urkel’s great love, longtime fans know the emotional truth: Myra Monkhouse was the one who loved him completely, openly, and unconditionally. Her affection wasn’t a fantasy or a chase — it was real.
Myra celebrated Steve’s quirks, matched his energy, and valued the heart beneath the suspenders. And even decades later, her legacy continues to spark conversation, debate, and admiration.
Whether you’re a nostalgic fan or discovering the show for the first time, one lesson remains powerful:
true love comes from those who see your worth from the start.
FAQs
1. Who was Myra Monkhouse on Family Matters?
Myra was Steve Urkel’s girlfriend who loved him deeply and became a fan-favorite character.
2. Why do fans prefer Myra over Laura?
Because Myra accepted Steve completely, supported him, and matched him emotionally and intellectually.
3. Did Steve really love Myra?
Yes — Steve cared deeply for Myra, even though his long-time crush on Laura complicated things.
4. Why didn’t Steve end up with Myra on the show?
The writers pushed the Steve–Laura relationship for a traditional sitcom storyline.
5. What made Myra special?
Her loyalty, enthusiasm, emotional honesty, and unconditional love for Steve.
