Finding the right partner is a challenge, and the search can last for years. But when you finally meet someone who you click with better than anyone else, it’s absolutely magical. However, the struggle isn’t over quite yet. Your new partner still faces an obstacle many can’t overcome: the friend test.
When most people start dating someone new, one of the first things they do is introduce their love interest to their closest friends. Unfortunately, your friends may not be as crazy about your significant other as you are.
If none of your friends like your partner, it’s crucial to figure out why. You can start by answering a few questions:
- Is your partner verbally, emotionally or physically abusive in any way?
- Has your partner ever cheated on you?
- Does your partner discourage you from doing the things you love or berate you for spending time with your friends and family?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, your friends are right to dislike your partner and you should seriously revaluate your relationship and consider if it’s the right one for you.
But if you answered no to all of the above questions, you’re facing a different challenge: your friends simply don’t like your partner. While this is a difficult situation to handle, you and your partner can navigate it successfully and keep your relationship intact.
First, you should explain to your friends that while you appreciate their honesty, you feel differently about your partner than they do and plan to stay with them for the foreseeable future. You shouldn’t become angry with your friends or express frustration at their opinions; doing so will only create a sense of hostility among you and may discourage them from being honest with you in the future.
In addition, you should make every effort to keep your romantic partner away from your friends’ opinions. While it may not be possible to keep the fact that your friends dislike them a secret, you can at least refrain from talking about it and keep all parties separate whenever possible.
On the flip side, resist talking about your partner in front of your friends. Doing so will only provoke negative comments from them or start a fight. Mentioning him or her in a story you’re telling is fine, but if you want to brag about a sweet gesture they recently made or vent about a fight you had, those conversations are best left for family or friends who genuinely like your partner.
Finally, focus on what you love about your significant other. Think of all the things they do to make you happy and all of the qualities you love about them. Forget any complaints your friends have and focus on how you feel about your partner.
While it’s certainly unfortunate to be romantically interested in someone who your friends don’t particularly care for, it doesn’t mean that you have to end your relationship or break up with your friends. By following the above steps, you can keep your friends, your partner and yourself happy.
