My real problem is that I don’t know if I have a problem, and could use some input from you and your readers. For a little background, I’m 33, got married and divorced in my mid-20s, but have since been enjoying a laid-back single lifestyle. However, I’m getting to the point where I’m interested in a longer term relationship.
Anyway, I met a girl this past spring who I’m crazy about. We’ve spent a healthy amount of time together, she’s attractive, she thinks my jokes are funny, we’ve enjoyed some in-depth conversations, and worked through some minor disagreements – everything’s pointing toward the positive. Until I met her friends. We both grew up in the area and both have our own close circle of friends, but hers are about as cool as my Green Line commute.
Let me try to paint you a picture. Most of her guy friends are the simple, meat-headed type you’d expect to see in a Coors Light ad. Funny topics consist of inside jokes from their high school days or making fun of other people in the room. Not exactly my top two interests. Most of her girlfriends are the type who want to date the aforementioned guys. Their lack of personality reminds me of Stepford Wives but without the class or grace. (I should give the girls a little credit though, they do have their own inside jokes they enjoy laughing at.)
I have to reiterate that I do thoroughly enjoy spending time with my girlfriend. Her lamo friends completely blindsided me, and I still can’t imagine her spending time with people like them. I’ve always heard it’s a bad sign if your friends don’t like your boyfriend, but what’s the underlying message if your boyfriend doesn’t like your friends? Can I just avoid them? Should I address this?? Is our relationship doomed??? Or maybe I’m overreacting…

– At A Crossroads (I Think), Brookline