Don’t be this person. That is the absolute worst possible thing you could do.

Now, I’m not going to throw that cliché at you where they say, “Relationships come and go, but best friends are forever,” because that’s not always true. Boyfriends and girlfriends may stay, they may be “the one” and friends sometimes aren’t always forever.

People drift apart, life happens.

So let’s not go with that phrase. Let’s go with a more straightforward one: “Do NOT ditch your friends for your relationship." Period, end of story, case closed.

Yes, it is absolutely wonderful being in a new relationship; everything is butterflies and rainbows and you are just attached at the hip. So you cancel your plans you made with your friends when your partner asks you to hang out, but then what? You think it’s no big deal, they’ll understand, but will they?

You and your partner hang out, your friends aren’t too happy because this starts to become a habit, and you slowly begin to lose them. I know I said let’s not use that cliché, but to refer back to it real quick: boyfriends/girlfriends can very well come and go, so if that happens, turning back to the friends you ditched probably isn’t the greatest option.

Also, where’s that quality friendship time? Yeah, it’s great to see your partner and all. I don’t know about you, but I need time with my friends. Girl time is a must for me. I cherish girl talks, shopping trips, movie dates, mani-pedis, and just getting lunch with my friends.

Just like your partner needs time with their friends, you should make time for yours. And plus—take it from a girl in a long-distance relationship—it is so special when you see each other for the first time after days (or in some cases, months) of not seeing each other. It really makes you cherish those times together.

So, for the sake of your friends who most likely miss you, please please please detach yourself from his hip and go have a night dedicated to your friends.

In all honesty, your friends will eventually get tired of you ditching them for your relationship and they’ll stop inviting you out when they do things.

Before you know it, when you are ready to reach out to them, they won’t be there.

Friendships are so important. Sure, you could argue that your boyfriend/girlfriend is your best friend because they probably are, but you can have more than one best friend. You can have a million best friends, but you can’t focus all that friendship love and attention onto one single person.

Don’t lose the person you were before the relationship started.

With love,

Your friends who miss you.