Many people search for happiness in their relationships, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with sharing or displaying that happiness around others. However, it is important to remember sometimes that your single friends, while happy for you, may not always appreciate the things you do and say as part of a couple. Here are a few annoying things couples do without actually realizing it.
- Thinking that every event is for couples.
If you’re part of a couple, you absolutely do not need to hang out with other couples only. In fact, thinking that every event has to be coupled-up may be very awkward for your single friends (imagine how a fifth person feels who arrives at dinner without a date). When planning fun events and outings, be open to keeping it as a “friends” event instead of a “couples” event.
- Ditching your friends all the time.
One of the worst types of friends is the person who constantly ditches their friends once they become “Someone’s Boyfriend” or “Someone’s Girlfriend”. Yes, you love your significant other, but your friends love you too (and while romances may come and go, good friends can stay with you a lifetime). So take time to nurture your friendships and be careful not to neglect them when you become half of a couple.
- Always trying to be a matchmaker.
Some friends don’t mind being occasionally set up on a date with someone; after all, this is how many relationships got started in the first place. But some people tend to go really overboard with this. It is as if they are so happy being part of a couple that they MUST help their single friends to experience the same bliss as they do. Maybe some friends want to be part of a couple, but maybe others are just fine being single. Don’t push your single friends too much when it comes to matchmaking, as you could risk alienating them, as if their single status is not good enough. Instead, a better option is to refer them to a professional matchmaking service like Kelleher International.
- Too much baby talk.
Every parent thinks that their baby is THE cutest baby in the world. They constantly post pictures on Facebook and Instagram of Little Johnny’s first word, first tooth, and first day of preschool. While your friends may love your kids, be assured that no one wants to hear about them all of the time. Keep it in moderation. When meeting up with friends, it’s best to keep your parental enthusiasm to a few brief updates and a couple of new pictures. If your friends want to know more, let them ask. Otherwise, they may think that the only thing happening in your life is all kid-related, which can make you appear boring.
- Too much PDA.
Now, there is absolutely nothing wrong with public displays of affection. In fact, a couple that never shows any sort of outward affection toward each other is just going to appear weird. However, tactful couples know how to moderate their PDA to a simple kiss or an arm around the shoulder. Making out in public as if you haven’t seen each other in months is only going to make people uncomfortable, so it’s wise to know where to draw the line.
- Bragging about your partner.
Of course, you think the world of your significant other (otherwise you wouldn’t be with them). But a person who talks obsessively about their boyfriend or girlfriend and how wonderful they are is likely to irritate their friends after a while, or make others feel that they are caught in some kind of couples’ competition to decide who has the best partner. Try to curb your enthusiasm a bit and don’t feel that you always need to brag about your partner. It is fine to mention something awesome they achieved (such as snagging that promotion at work) but there are plenty of other things to talk about with your friends and family.
- Assuming Your Partner Must Be Involved In Everything.
If one of your friends suggests a night out, don’t automatically assume that your partner has an invite too. In your days of being single, you may have enjoyed having a girls’ night or a guys’ night, so continue that tradition after you become part of a couple. It is good for you to spend some time away from your partner to connect with your friends, because, as the saying goes “absence makes the heart grow fonder.”
The key to a healthy relationship is setting boundaries and respecting others. Whether you have been in a relationship with someone for years or you have just started a new one, be aware of the things you are doing and how they might make others around you feel. Your friends and family will appreciate your thoughtfulness.