How to Get Along With Your Partner’s Best Friend

A common saying goes that when you marry a person, you should be willing to marry the person’s family. Besides acquiring a new set of parents, a bunch of cousins and a handful of aunts and uncles, you also get some new friends – your partner’s closet friends.

Your fiancé’s best friend will soon feel like your own. You will be seeing them often. They will spend weekends at your house and even vacations. Eventually, you will be left with no other option but to get along with the friend. Here’s how to do it.

1. Find something you both like

One of the reasons you might not like someone is because you have nothing in common. When you are around them, there is nothing to discuss, so you get bored. To strike a reoccurring conversation, find two or three things you both like. For instance, if you both love food, this is a great place to start.

2. Figure Out Why You Dislike them

If you are always arguing with your partner’s friend over minor things, take a step back and examine the source of the tension. Is it because you feel they have a terrible influence on your fiancé? Did they do something in the past that angered you? When you understand the cause of your negative feelings towards the person, you will appreciate the relationship better. You can then know whether it’s worth fixing or not.

3. Choose Your Battles Wisely

If the person makes you mad every time you are with them, you need to pick your battles. Avoid fighting over small things because it will only increase tension in your relationship with your partner. Instead of reacting over every minor situation, walk away when you can.

4. Look for a Diversion Plan

Remember that you don’t have to hang around when the friend comes over. Find something to do and alert your partner in advance. Let your fiancé know when you want to spend quality time alone without having to invite the friend.