Relationships & Friendships: How to Be a Good Friend When Dating

Because you always need your girls even when you find a guy. 

by Olivia Longabardi ★ October 12th, 2025

Photo credit: Olivia Longabardi

Have you finally reached exclusive status, or maybe girlfriend status? It can be really easy to get excited and shut everyone out, directing all your attention to your new partner. But when you are in a relationship, it is important to still keep your friends a priority. It is a good idea to think of ways in which we can be a good friend while still being devoted to our partner. Here are some tips on how to do so.

1. Text your friends throughout the day.

This one may seem obvious, but it can easily be forgotten. Being a good friend means taking the initiative to check up on your friends, just like you would do a significant other. Make sure you are keeping up with your friends throughout the day, even if you are simultaneously busy chatting with your partner. Then, they will know you are still making them a priority, no matter who is in your life.

2. Be honest. 

Don’t lie to your friends. If you are hanging out with your partner, tell them the truth. The goal is not to see one person more than the other, but to be the best partner and friend you can be. This requires consistent transparency. If you feel like you are struggling to balance relationships and friendships, be honest with your loved ones. Then, your friends and partner will possibly be more understanding if you fall short.

3. Don’t be selfish–remember to ask them about themselves and their experiences while dating too.

When you first start seeing someone, it can be really hard to talk about anything else. The excitement can consume you, so don’t forget to listen as well as you share. Ask your friends how their relationships are going. How is their boyfriend? How are their other friendships? How is their overall well-being? You should make it obvious that you still care about your friends, even though you care about your partner now too.

4. Listen to their advice.

If your friend has a concern, don’t shut them down or out. If your behavior has been out of character lately, take their concerns and advice seriously. If they feel ignored or ghosted, apologize and remind yourself about how much you value their friendship. 

5. Engage your partner with your friends.

Let your partner know how much you value and cherish your friendships. Introduce the girls and speak of them highly. By telling your partner this, you are emphasizing the importance of friendship in your life and are reminding your friends that if your partner can’t respect them, they’ve gotta go.  

The goal is to be just as good a friend if you were single. Don’t switch up on your friends or the other people you love. Show them you care. Check up on them! Be honest! Listen! Together, you can continue a friendship just as strong as your relationship.

Edited by: Anna Altman