
Yeah, after eight months, it's definitely a bit of a red flag if your partner hasn't introduced you to their friends, especially since you've already brought them into your circle and it went fine. It could mean they're keeping parts of their life separate for a reason, like not seeing the relationship as serious or maybe hiding something from their friends. Not every case is bad, though - some people are just super private or have messy friend dynamics, like if there's an ex in the group they don't want to stir up. But the 'complicated' excuse starts to wear thin after this long, and it makes sense you're feeling that distance. In my experience, when I dated someone who did this, it turned out they weren't fully committed, and we broke up shortly after I pushed the issue. To bring it up without sounding accusatory, try framing it around your feelings rather than their actions - say something like, 'I've been thinking about how much I enjoy our time together, and I'd love to meet your friends sometime since you've met mine. It would make me feel more connected to your world.' Keep it light and curious, maybe over a casual dinner, so it doesn't feel like an interrogation. If they brush it off again, ask gently why it's complicated and listen without interrupting. As for a dealbreaker, I'd say if you've talked about it a couple times and nothing changes in the next month or two - like they don't even suggest a low-key meetup, such as grabbing coffee with one friend - it's worth reevaluating if this level of separation works for you long-term.
Relationships thrive on integration, and if they're not willing to budge, it might signal deeper issues.