How To Get Along With & Win Over Your Boyfriend’s Friends, According To A Guy

There comes a time in every serious relationship when it’s time to meet your boyfriend’s friends. It can be a big step in a relationship and some women tend to get a little nervous. But don’t worry, winning over the boys is not the daunting task some ladies make it out to be. Here are some pointers to help you out.

  1. Accept their invitation to hang out. How will your boyfriend’s friends every like you if you don’t spend any time with them? If the invitation is made, you should definitely accept. Even if you’re a little apprehensive, you’ll earn points with them just by showing up. You could also take the initiative by telling your boyfriend to invite his friends to hang out. That can be a good way to make a positive first impression with them.
  2. Give them a chance. Sure, first impressions are important but don’t get too wrapped up in them, especially if they’re negative. If you don’t like your boyfriend’s friends at first, give them a second chance. If you think you’ve found a great guy, his friends can’t all be that bad. Even if things didn’t click right away, try again.
  3. Don’t be intimidated. Try not to psych yourself out when it comes to meeting your boyfriend’s friends for the first time. Remember, they’re just people like you and me. Don’t act like you’re meeting the pope or a movie star. Yes, meeting the people he’s closest to (other than you, of course) can be kind of a big deal, but it shouldn’t be a nerve-racking experience and you shouldn’t be afraid or intimidated.
  4. Limit the PDA. Even if your boyfriend is down with PDA, he probably wants to limit it in front of his friends. Remember, you’re hanging out in a group setting, which means the world doesn’t revolve around your relationship. Be cognizant that his friends probably don’t care to see massive amounts of PDA. In fact, they’ll probably make fun of him about it later. Plus, you’re there to get to know his friends, so focus on that.
  5. Try to be one of the guys. You don’t have to burp and fart but don’t be afraid to let loose a little. Joke around with your boyfriend’s friends. Even if you’re too afraid to tell a dirty joke, be sure to laugh at them. Even if you’re not having the time of your life, if your boyfriend’s friends see that you’re trying to fit in and enjoy yourself, they’ll take a liking to you.
  6. Be nice to your boyfriend. This seems obvious but it should be emphasized. Your boyfriend’s friends will note how you two interact and treat one another. You don’t want to put him down or interrupt him when he’s talking. Part of winning over his friends is showing them that you make a great girlfriend. This doesn’t mean you have to act like the world revolves around him, but if you show any girlfriend red flags, they’ll let your boyfriend know about it.
  7. Take mental notes. I don’t want to make this sound like a homework assignment, but you should be taking mental notes on your boyfriend’s friends. Remember, they all know each other well and you’re trying to get to know several people all at once. Just try to listen to them and make mental notes on the things they say. This will help you find things you have in common. That will make it easier to connect with them when you start seeing them on a more regular basis. Soon enough, they’ll start seeing you more like one of their friends rather than their buddy’s girl.
  8. Supply food and drink. Unless your boyfriend’s friends are elected officials, a little bribery can’t hurt. If you hang out at someone’s house, bring snacks or baked goods or a special kind of beverage. Everyone appreciates the person who brings over food and drinks, right? If you’re out in public, try buying a round of drinks for everyone. It’s a great, if slightly sneaky, way to get on the good side of your boyfriend’s friends.
  9. Play to your strengths. More than anything else, don’t try to be someone you’re not. Your boyfriend’s friends are probably like most people in that they’ll spot a fake personality. For instance, if you don’t know sports, don’t chime in if they’re talking about sports. Be patient and wait until you’re comfortable jumping into the conversation. If nothing else, you know about women, right? So, talk to your boyfriend’s friends about their girlfriends or their romantic conquests. Most will appreciate a female perspective on the matter. If you shed some light for them and give them good advice, you’ll be in their good graces.
  10. Relax. As I may have mentioned, the best thing you can do to win over your boyfriend’s friends is to just relax. Don’t be nervous. Don’t make too big a deal out of it. Your best bet is to relax and act like you’re hanging out with your own friends. After all, if the relationship lasts, his friends will become your friends. Treat them like they’re already your friends and everything will be fine.
Bryan Zarpentine graduated from Syracuse University and lives in upstate New York, where he writes largely about the world of sports. His work has appeared on Franchise Sports and WSN, among others. You can find him on Twitter @BZarp.
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