8. “My friends don’t like you”
There’s never really a great time to drop this one, but how and why you say it definitely makes a difference. If you’re in the middle of a fight and throw this out just to hurt him, it can really damage the trust between you. It tells him that he’s being judged by people he might not even really know, and worse, that you’re siding with them. But if you’re having a serious conversation about future plans and your friend group comes up, mentioning concerns from your circle can be more about honesty than attack. Still, it needs to be said carefully. Rather than pinning blame on your friends, focus on how you feel. Say what’s on your mind without making him feel ganged up on. Relationship advice for women often includes this golden rule: always talk to your partner, not about him through someone else’s words.
