Ava Sinclair
When a friend starts dating someone new, it’s natural for them to be a little less available. But when they suddenly drop off the face of the earth? That’s when you know something’s up.
Navigating friendships during new relationships can be tricky. Some people seem to manage it effortlessly, while others… not so much.
We’re talking about women who, upon entering a romantic relationship, forget their friends exist. You might have encountered a few of these ladies in your life.
Stay tuned if you want to avoid being caught off guard by a disappearing act.
1) Suddenly becoming unreachable
You know what it’s like – one day you’re texting back and forth, sharing jokes and making plans, and the next day your messages are being left on read.
This is the life of a friend who has been ditched when a new romance comes into play. The sudden unavailability is a clear sign that something’s up.
Now, everyone has busy days, but when the pattern becomes consistent, you know you’re dealing with more than just an off day.
It’s subtle, but it’s there – the slow fade away from daily chats to sporadic messages, from quick responses to hours-long delays.
2) Canceling plans last minute
I remember when I noticed this with my best friend. We had this tradition of brunch every Sunday – rain or shine, busy or free, we never missed it. It was our thing, you know?
But then she met this guy. At first, she’d still make it to our brunches, albeit a little late or a little distracted. But soon enough, the cancelations started coming in.
First it was a “Sorry, got caught up!” text ten minutes before our meeting time. Then a “Can we reschedule?” the night before. Eventually, it was just silence. No text, no call, nothing.
It felt like our friendship was slowly being replaced by her new relationship. And let me tell you, it stings.
3) Showing zero interest in your life
When your friend starts a new relationship, it’s natural for them to be excited and want to talk about it. But when their conversations become a one-way street about their love life and they show little to no interest in what’s happening in your life, that’s another subtle sign.
Psychological studies show that empathy and interest in others are key components of strong friendships. When these elements begin to wane, it can be an indication that the friendship is not a priority anymore.
Imagine you’re sharing something important about your day, only for them to quickly change the subject back to their partner. It’s not just annoying – it can also be hurtful. It signals a shift in the friendship dynamics that might not be in your favor.
4) They only reach out when they need something
Maybe they’re seeking advice about their new love life or just need someone to unload their frustrations on. But if these one-sided requests start to dominate your interactions, it’s a pretty clear sign that your friendship has taken a backseat to their romantic relationship.
True friendship isn’t just about being there during the tough times—it’s about sharing the good stuff too. The laughs, the victories, the silly, everyday moments that make your bond special. When your conversations start feeling like a series of transactions rather than genuine exchanges, it might be time to hit pause and reassess what’s really going on.
Interestingly, research published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships suggests that friendships often face challenges when one person enters a new romantic relationship, leading to shifts in time, attention, and emotional energy.
5) They start breaking promises
I’ve been there – waiting for a call that never comes, expecting a visit that keeps getting postponed. It starts to feel like the friendship is one-sided, and I’m the only one putting in the effort.
When a friend starts a new relationship and begins breaking promises, it’s another subtle sign that you’re being sidelined.
I remember when my friend promised to help me move. We had it planned for weeks, but she bailed on me last minute because she had a date. I ended up doing it all alone, feeling both physically and emotionally exhausted.
6) They start to mimic their partner’s interests
It’s natural to pick up on your partner’s interests when you’re in a new relationship. But when your friend starts dismissing the activities you used to enjoy together in favor of their partner’s preferences, it can be a subtle sign of distance growing.
Maybe your friend was never into sports, but now she’s suddenly a die-hard football fan just like her new boyfriend. Or she used to love your movie nights, but now she’s only interested in the types of films her partner likes.
7) They start to criticize you more
Constructive criticism is a part of any healthy friendship. But when a friend gets into a new relationship and suddenly starts finding faults in you more often, it might be another subtle sign of them pulling away.
Perhaps they start questioning your lifestyle choices, your taste in fashion or even your decisions. This increase in criticism can be their way of justifying the distance they’re creating.
Remember, a true friend is someone who accepts you for who you are, and while they might point out your flaws from time to time, they should do so in a caring and supportive way.
8) They stop sharing about their personal life
The final subtle sign is when your friend stops sharing about their personal life. You used to know everything – from their work drama to their family issues. But now, you only hear about their relationship.
Personal sharing is a crucial part of any friendship. It’s what keeps us connected and invested in each other’s lives. When your friend starts keeping things to herself, it can feel like you’re being shut out.
This shift can be quite hurtful, signaling that your friend no longer values your input or trusts you with their stories.
Understanding and moving forward
Friendships are a crucial part of our lives. They add meaning, joy, and support to our existence. Being sidelined by a friend who’s in a new relationship can be painful and confusing.
Remember, communication is key. If you notice these behaviors, it might be time to have an honest conversation with your friend. After all, true friendships can weather storms and come out stronger.
In the end, it’s all about balance – between love and friendship, solitude and companionship, giving and taking. And perhaps, in understanding these subtle shifts, we can learn to strike that balance better in our own lives.
Take a moment to reflect – on your friendships, your relationships, and most importantly, on what these interactions mean for you. Because in the grand scheme of things, it’s these connections that truly shape our lives.
