We talk a lot about the relationship issues but friends are never a consideration in that. What do I mean by that? Well, what if your boyfriend has a bunch of friends you don’t really like and cannot decide why? What do you do then?
I admit that it’s a tricky area because all of us are protective of our friends as they play a pretty crucial role in our lives. They are the ones who are there for you during the 2AM rant sessions and also during the afternoons of pure, adulterated fun.
When you know and accept that for yourself, do you do the same for your partner? To avoid a sticky situation, here are some things you can do if you don’t like your boyfriend’s friends!
1. Ask Yourself What’s Wrong
The first step to solving any problem is introspection. Ask yourself what is it that you don’t like about his friends? Are they just generally annoying, are you jealous or is it some deeper, underlying issue? It is possible that in case of a close female friend, you might feel threatened by how friendly they are and how well they get along. It’s okay to give his friends, and yourself, the benefit of doubt.
2. Honesty IS The Best Policy
Be honest with him. If you keep avoiding them and canceling the plans you’ve made together, you might end up hurting your partner and that’s not what you were aiming for, is it? So just be upfront and tell him that you’re not really fond of them but in the nicest way possible. Remember, sugar coating the truth doesn’t make it a lie. You’re only doing it to protect his feelings!
3. Make An Effort
Even if you don’t like them and don’t want to hang out with them every day, you can always make an effort to hang out with them, even if it is just once a month.
4. Respect His Relationships
A very important thing to remember in a relationship is that you two are still individuals. You do not have to like everybody the other person chooses to keep in their life but you need to learn to make your peace with it. Even if you don’t like his friends, respect the fact that these are the people your boyfriend is fond of and likes to spend his time with. Don’t try to control his friendships or make it a ‘me vs. them’ situation!
5. Be Careful Of The Red Flags
A man is the sum of the company he keeps. While we’ve been very positive about the whole situation, you need to remember that your friends say a lot about you. Even if you feel he is the best and most respectful person in the world but his friends are a bunch of sexist tools, there is a possibility he is too. Consider shitty friends as a major red flag!
GIFs: Giphy
