Can You Read Between the Lines?
Call it a gut feeling or blatant awkwardness, it’s easy to tell when your partner’s friend group hates you—but it’s not always easy to read the subtleties. It can be just as tough trying to shake off the anxiety that they despise you when they actually don’t! Don’t worry, we’ve broken down telltale signs of each.
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1. There’s No Conversation
It doesn’t take much to engage in small talk, so it’s a big issue when you only hear crickets. Friends should take an active interest in your life, getting to know you and inviting you out. If they don’t care for you, however, they won’t even bother.
2. They Don’t Invite You
In a perfect world, outings include friends and their partners. It’s one thing to not get invited at first, but it’s another if your invite’s always lost in the mail.
3. Unpleasant Interactions
Our gut feelings are pretty strong and we often know when someone doesn’t like us. Whether it’s something they say or constant interruptions, unpleasant conversations quickly sour an already shaky relationship. It’s even worse if they keep doing it or don’t apologize.
4. They Barely Acknowledge You
Not everyone’s the best at making small talk—but there’s a difference between awkward silences and blatant disregard. If you can’t even get a hello, there’s a good chance it’s on purpose.
5. You Don’t Know Their Partners
One of the best things about getting to know your partner’s friends is that you eventually meet their partners too. It’s an endless web of friendship! At least, it should be. If your beau’s friends don’t introduce you to their partners, odds are they’re trying to keep you out.
6. They’re Overly Sarcastic
A little sarcastic banter never hurt anyone. However, there’s a thin between sarcasm and poorly disguised criticism, and you’ll know when a partner’s friend group crosses the line.
7. Constant Disagreement
No matter what you do, you can’t say the right thing. It always seems like their friends are itching to belittle you or trying to prove you’re a bad fit. Regardless of their game plan, it’s a lousy feeling and a telltale sign they’re trying to push you out.
8. They Talk About Exes
Guess who’s better than you! That’s right, it’s the ex your partner’s friends love to mention. They drone on and on about the one who got away, however subtly, and leave you feeling awful. Talk about a ruined evening.
9. Awkward Silences
We’ve all experienced an awkward silence. Not all of us experience one every night, though. It’s never a good sign when a friend group gives one-word responses to your questions or lets the conversation fizzle out.
10. They Told You
Partners like to keep the peace between you and their friends, but sometimes they let the cat out of the bag. If your significant other reveals any animosity, you know there’s work to be done.
On the flip side, many partners fit right into a friend group. Let’s dive into some classic signs you’re a perfect match!
1. They Plan Ahead
It’s not enough to hang out once—friends want to see you all the time. It’s a good sign when they reach out to schedule another hang-out, and it’s even better if they contact you directly.
2. Active Listening
Friends who like you also listen to you. From asking follow-up questions to letting you drone on about your day, real pals want to know all about you.
3. Vacationing Together
Coffee shop double dates are nice, but you’ve hit the big leagues with cottage weekends. There shouldn’t be any doubt that your partner’s friends love you if they bring you along on getaways. They wouldn’t invite you on a weekend-long trip if they hated you!
4. Special Occasions
As busy as life is, real friends reach out on special occasions. If the friend group sends happy birthday messages or Christmas cards in the mail, you know they love you. It’s even sweeter if they write lengthy messages.
5. They Make You Laugh
Laughter is just as important in friendships as in relationships. If you can’t joke with each other, you can’t hang out with each other. Rest assured, impromptu comedy skits mean you’re a shoo-in.
6. They Ask About You
It’s always sad to miss certain events, but life can get in the way. Friends understand that! Friends also ask your partner about you or send their love if you can’t make it.
7. Deep Conversations
There’s no reason a partner’s friends can’t become your friends. When those little talks turn into deep discussions, it’s a good sign you all trust each other. It’s also a classic sign of true friendship.
8. Solo Hangouts
So, your partner can’t make it—that doesn’t mean the fun stops! Your beau’s friends enjoy your company just as much and are more than willing to hang out with you one-on-one.
9. Double Dates
Remember how we talked about not meeting fellow partners? Say hello to its opposite. Friends want you to stick around if they introduce you to their significant others. Take it as a big welcome sign that they see you as one of their own.
10. They Call You a Friend
Did they just introduce you as one of their friends? Do they call you “buddy” or “pal”? You’ve got it made in the shade when they see you as a personal friend!
