Tag: social-circles

I've been dating someone for eight months and things are great when it's just us. But whenever plans with their friends pop up and I'm either not invited or it becomes a separate hang I only hear about after. I've asked a couple of times and they say their friend group is "complicated" and they don't want to mix worlds yet. I introduced them to my friends months ago and it went smoothly, so I'm confused why it's still a no on their side. There aren't cheating vibes, just a persistent distance that feels off. I don't need to be glued to their hip, but I'd like to be acknowledged as part of their life. Is this a normal pace for some people, or a boundary I should pay closer attention to? How would you bring it up without sounding accusatory? And at what point do you consider it a dealbreaker? I work full-time and squeeze this in around dinner and bedtime. For context, I live with a roommate and we share most things. I'm pretty new to this and don't want to overcomplicate it. Time-wise I can commit a few hours a week, not a full overhaul. Small wins are fine; I just want something that actually helps. For context, I live with a roommate and we share most things. Money's not unlimited, so I'm prioritizing simple stuff I can actually stick with. Small wins are fine; I just want something that actually helps. If it matters: apartment setting, no special tools, and I'm in a pretty average climate. This has been on my mind for a while and I'd love some real-world experiences. Time-wise I can commit a few hours a week, not a full overhaul. I learn best from step-by-step examples or what you'd repeat if you started over. Money's not unlimited, so I'm prioritizing simple stuff I can actually stick with. I'm in a small town, so options are limited and shipping can be slow.