My Boyfriend Prioritizes His Friends Over Me (10 Possible Reasons)

Mrs And The Misc may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only ever share brands that we love and trust.

Sarah Koch

|

Is your man constantly ditching you to hang with his bros?

Do you feel like you’re playing second fiddle to his squad?

Well, you’re not alone!

It’s a tale as old as time: girl meets boy, girl falls for boy, boy leaves girl in the dust to pound beers with his buddies.

Classic.

But seriously, if you’re feeling neglected and wondering why your boyfriend seems to prioritize his friends over you, it’s time to get to the bottom of it.

Let’s dive into 10 possible reasons why he might be acting like a total “bro before hoes” cliché.

1. He’s Not Ready for a Serious Relationship

Look, some guys just aren’t ready to commit to a real, grown-up relationship.
They want to keep things casual and hang onto their single-dude lifestyle as long as possible.

If your boyfriend is constantly choosing his friends over you, it could be a sign that he’s not prepared to make you a priority.

He might be afraid of getting too close or losing his independence.

Or maybe he’s just a big man-child who doesn’t want to give up his wild nights out with the boys.

Either way, if he’s not willing to put you first, it might be time to find someone who is.

2. He’s Afraid of Intimacy

Some guys have a hard time with emotional intimacy.

They might be totally into you physically, but when it comes to opening up and being vulnerable, they clam up faster than a nervous kid at a spelling bee.

If your boyfriend is always running off to his friends instead of spending quality time with you, it could be a way for him to avoid getting too close.

He might be scared of letting you see the real him or of getting hurt if things don’t work out.

It’s not an excuse for neglecting your relationship, but it’s worth considering if your guy has a history of commitment issues or seems emotionally unavailable.

3. He Doesn’t Want to Give Up His “Me Time”

Let’s be real: relationships take work.

You have to make time for each other, compromise, and occasionally sit through a rom-com or two.

But some guys just aren’t willing to give up their precious “me time” for anyone – not even the girl they’re dating.

If your boyfriend is constantly blowing you off to hang with his friends, it could be a sign that he values his solo time more than your relationship.

He might be used to doing his own thing and isn’t ready to make room for you in his life.

It’s one thing to have separate hobbies and interests, but if he’s never willing to include you in his plans or make time for just the two of you, that’s a red flag.

4. He’s Not Over His Ex

Ugh, is there anything worse than playing second fiddle to a ghost from your boyfriend’s past?

If your man is still hung up on his ex, it could explain why he’s not giving you the attention you deserve.

Maybe he’s using his friends as a distraction to avoid dealing with his unresolved feelings.

Or maybe he’s just not ready to fully commit to a new relationship while he’s still pining for his old one.

Either way, you don’t have to put up with being someone’s consolation prize.

If your boyfriend can’t let go of his past and make you his present (and future), it might be time to move on to someone who will.

5. He’s Insecure About Your Relationship

Sometimes, guys who seem confident on the outside are actually super insecure on the inside.

If your boyfriend is constantly seeking validation from his friends instead of investing in your relationship, it could be a sign that he’s not sure where he stands with you.

Maybe he’s worried that you’ll lose interest or that he’s not good enough for you.
So he clings to his friends as a safety net, just in case things don’t work out.

It’s not fair to you, but it’s important to communicate openly about your feelings and reassure him of your commitment (if that’s what you want).

And if he still can’t get his act together? Well, you might have to reevaluate whether this relationship is worth your time.

6. He’s Not Mature Enough for a Real Relationship

Let’s face it: some guys are just overgrown frat boys who never really left their college days behind.

They’re more interested in beer pong and bro time than building a meaningful, adult relationship.

If your boyfriend is always choosing his friends over you, it could be a sign that he’s just not mature enough to handle the responsibilities of a serious partnership.

He might still be in that “all about me” phase and not ready to consider someone else’s needs and feelings.

It’s frustrating, but you can’t force someone to grow up before they’re ready.

If your man is stuck in perpetual bro mode, you might have to decide whether you’re willing to wait around for him to get his shit together.

7. His Friends Aren’t Supportive Of Your Relationship

Sometimes, the problem isn’t just your boyfriend – it’s his friends.

If his crew is constantly ragging on your relationship or trying to undermine your connection, it could be putting a strain on things between you two.

Maybe they’re jealous of the time he spends with you or worried that you’ll “take him away” from their group.

Or maybe they’re just immature dudes who think relationships are lame and bros should always come first.

Whatever the reason, it’s important for your boyfriend to set boundaries with his friends and make it clear that your relationship is a priority.

If he can’t stand up for you and your love, that’s a major red flag.

8. He Has Unrealistic Expectations About Relationships

Thanks to TV, movies, and Internet porn, some guys expect their real-life girlfriends to look and act more like Jessica Rabbit in bed and Betty Crocker in the kitchen – see where I’m going with this?

This ain’t Stepford, y’all.

If your boyfriend is perpetually unsatisfied and blowing you off to hang with his friends, it could be a sign that he has unrealistic ideas about what a relationship should look like.

He may want a partner who exists solely to fulfill his needs without having any of her own.

(Yeah, good luck with that one, bro.)

It’s important to have an honest conversation about your expectations and make sure you’re on the same page.

If he’s not willing to meet you halfway and appreciate the real, flawed, amazing person you are? Thank you, next.

9. He’s Just Not That Into You

I know, I know – this one hurts.

But sometimes, the harsh truth is that your boyfriend is prioritizing his friends because he’s just not that invested in your relationship.

It doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you – sometimes people just aren’t compatible, or the timing isn’t right, or he’s too distracted by his Fortnite team to give you the attention you deserve.

(Okay, that last one is a red flag in itself.)

If you’ve tried communicating your needs and he’s still not making an effort, it might be time to face the music and move on to someone who will appreciate the badass goddess you are.

10. You’re A Victim Of “Bro Code” Brainwashing

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: “bro code.”

You know, that unwritten rule that says bros should always put each other first, no matter what?

Well, I’m here to tell you that’s a load of patriarchal nonsense.

If your boyfriend is constantly choosing his friends over you because of some misguided sense of loyalty to his “bros,” that’s not okay.

A mature, respectful partner should be able to balance his friendships and his relationship without making you feel like an afterthought.

It’s time for guys to realize that being a good friend doesn’t mean being a crappy boyfriend.

And if your man can’t figure that out? Well, I hear the single life is pretty great these days.

The Bottom Line

Listen up, ladies: you deserve a partner who makes you feel valued, respected, and prioritized – period.

If your boyfriend is always putting his friends first and leaving you hanging, it’s time to have a serious talk about your relationship expectations.

But remember – you can’t change someone who doesn’t want to change.

If he’s not willing to put in the effort and make you a priority, don’t waste your time trying to convince him.

You’re a queen, and you deserve someone who treats you like one.

So keep your head up, your standards high, and your “boy bye” hand strong.
And if all else fails?

Hey, I hear adopting a dog is a great way to have a loyal, loving dance partner that will appreciate you for the rockstar you are.

JUST KIDDING, who needs dogs when you have your own fabulous self?
Remember: relationships are hard, but loving yourself is easy.

You got this, girl!

Leave a Comment