Bernadette

Bernadette is a waitress paying her way through graduate school microbiology studies and was introduced to Howard via Penny. At first she and Howard did not get along, as they appeared to have nothing in common. However, when they found out they both had overbearing mothers they immediately felt a connection. Subsequently, Howard realized Bernadette was a real opportunity to develop a lasting relationship, and in an impulsive manner he proposed to her. Although Bernadette rejected his offer, they remained a couple.

 Bernadette has been dating Howard since The Creepy Candy Coating Corollary. Bernadette was introduced to Howard by Penny because of a pact Leonard made with Howard. After that, Bernadette dated Howard for a few more episodes until Howard announced that they had broken up "a few weeks ago" in The Plimpton Stimulation. In The Hot Troll Deviation, Howard revealed the reason they broke up and after he apologized they started dating again. In The Herb Garden Germination, Howard proposed to Bernadette and she accepted. However, Bernadette&apos;s relationship with Howard, though loving and generally accommodating, is often strained due to Howard still living with his mother and his sensitivity. The tension in their relationship further worsens when Bernadette starts to yell like Howard&apos;s mother and gets a Ph. D, further rubbing in the fact he does not have one.

 One thing he did to get her back was playing "Bernadette" on the Cheese Factory piano, which creeped out Penny. However, Bernadette thought it was very romantic.