Afflicted with a mysterious skin condition on his butt that doctors cannot identify the cause of, Ross seeks advice from Phoebe's herbalist. Phoebe finds herself in a dilemma when she cannot choose between two guys. Monica can't decide about Pete when she thinks he is going to propose.

Ross chooses between Rachel and his bald-headed girlfriend Bonnie. Phoebe struggles to deal with the revelation that her mother's friend is actually her mother. Monica gets stung by a jellyfish, forcing Chandler and Joey to step up to the plate in order to relieve her pain.

Phoebe believes that her adoptive mother's spirit resides in a cat that jumped into her guitar case in Central Perk. Monica goes on a date with Rachel's hunky high-school boyfriend, who was cool in high-school, but a failure now. And when Joey and Chandler decide to sell the entertainment center, Joey takes stupidity to a new level.

Ross's new girlfriend seems nearly perfect until he visits her house and discovers that her apartment is incredibly dirty. Chandler helps Joey pick out a thoughtful present for Kathy's birthday. Rachel attempts to finish a crossword puzzle by herself. And Phoebe helps Monica cater a funeral.

Joey lands a job with a PBS telethon, which ignites an old hatred Phoebe has towards the network. Meanwhile, Monica tries to convince Rachel that she's dating someone from work to hide her relationship with Chandler. And Ross finally gets in touch with Emily and they try to work it out.

Monica becomes jealous of Phoebe and Gary. Rachel has an awkward encounter when she interviews for a new job. Joey tries to meet a girl living in Ross's building, but has trouble with finding her apartment.