BY ALYSSA MCCANN // MARCH 22, 2013 //

Getting in a relationship with someone is a fun and exciting experience. But what if your friends don’t approve?

It’s great when the person you are dating can get along with your friends. If your partner is comfortable around your friends, it’s a lot easier for everyone. But if friends get too involved or decide they don’t like your significant other, drama ensues.

We’ve all been there—either your friends don’t like your boyfriend or girlfriend, or you don’t like your friend’s partner. This can create awkwardness and tension within your friend group.

It’s all fun and games until you introduce your significant other to your friends. // Photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/kelleyboone/1937843613/sizes/z/in/photostream/

In addition to guidance from parents, for what that’s worth, friends are often the best bet to provide insights about the person you are dating. If you get a thumbs up…great! But if you get the dreaded thumbs down, you may need to reevaluate. Your friends often know what’s best for you, because they can view your relationships from an outside perspective and see things more rationally.

I have seen people stick with relationships that no longer make them happy. When their friends try to give them advice, they tend to get defensive and deny that the relationship isn’t working out. Sometimes, they need to hear the truth—even if they don’t want to listen to it.

If you find yourself in a relationship anytime soon, I suggest listening to your friends’ advice. They often have good judgment when they are on the outside looking in.

Now, if one of your friends is in a destructive relationship and you find yourself constantly telling them, to no avail, to give up on it, there comes a point when you have to stop trying. Ultimately, your friend will have to figure things out for him or herself. Eventually, they will realize that they can do better, and they will thank you for being there for them.

Friendship is a very powerful ally when encountering a bad romance.