Well, HIMYM is based on a true story to some extent. The showrunners took real - life situations like the search for love, the camaraderie among friends, and the experiences in a big city like New York. They then fictionalized and exaggerated these elements to create the entertaining and relatable storylines we see in the show. It's a blend of real - life inspiration and creative fictionalization.
Yes, it is partly based on a true story. The creator, Carter Bays, has said that some elements of the show were inspired by his own life experiences and those of his friends. For example, the idea of a group of friends in New York City having various relationships and adventures is something that many people can relate to from real life.