Feeling ignored or left out when a friend consistently prioritizes their romantic relationship can be hurtful and frustrating. It's essential to address the situation with your friend while maintaining open communication and understanding. Here are some steps you can take:
Choose the right time and place to talk: Find a private and comfortable setting where you can talk without distractions or interruptions.
Express your feelings: Be honest and open with your friend about how you feel when she prioritizes her boyfriend over your plans. Use "I" statements to avoid sounding accusatory, such as "I feel hurt when we make plans, and you cancel them to be with your boyfriend."
Listen to her perspective: Give your friend a chance to explain her actions and perspective. She might be unaware of how her behavior is affecting you or may have her reasons for prioritizing her boyfriend.
Avoid being confrontational: Approach the conversation with a non-confrontational attitude. The goal is to understand each other better, not to place blame or create conflict.
Set boundaries: Respectfully communicate your need for quality time with her and the importance of keeping commitments. Encourage her to communicate openly with you if she needs to reschedule or make changes.
Find a compromise: Work together to find a balance that accommodates both her relationship and your friendship. Maybe you can plan specific days or times for hanging out that won't conflict with her relationship.
Build new friendships and interests: While maintaining your current friendship is essential, try to explore new activities and make new friends. Expanding your social circle can help reduce the feeling of being dependent on just one person for companionship.
Be understanding: Relationships often come with a strong emotional pull, especially in the early stages. Recognize that this intense focus on her boyfriend might be temporary, and she might naturally find a better balance as the relationship matures.
Stay positive and supportive: Be supportive of your friend's happiness in her relationship. A true friend wants the best for their friends, even if it means giving them space to nurture their romantic connections.
Evaluate the friendship: If your friend consistently ignores your feelings or dismisses your concerns, you might need to reevaluate the friendship. Healthy friendships should be built on mutual respect and consideration.
Remember that every relationship goes through ups and downs, and a strong friendship can withstand challenges if both parties are willing to communicate and work things out. If your friend continues to prioritize her boyfriend without considering your feelings, it may be time to reassess the dynamics of the friendship and decide what is best for your well-being.