When Worlds Collide

In the best-case scenario, your date or girlfriend gets along great with your buds. She's "one of the guys," or at least that "awesome chick" your friends enjoy being around. If you find it weird to hang out with your friends and your lady at the same time, you might be in for problems.

If it's clear your buds aren't fans of your lady, you should pay attention. They are trying to save you from one of those movie scenes where they're standing at the altar and coughing "run" as your bride walks down the aisle. They could be just jealous of her taking up your time, but it's much more likely they're looking out for your best interest.

Your friends have been around the block with you. You know them, they know you and -- theoretically -- you like each other and the same things. If your lady clashes with them, it's likely she'll eventually clash with you. If your friends are living in their parents' garages and paying their way by mowing lawns for allowance money while you aspire to be a doctor or lawyer, then a little nudge from her might be in order. But if you're happy drinking beer at noon on Sunday with a four-day beard kicking and your jersey on, and she's trying to talk you into a weekly Sunday Bunco brunch in pressed linen pants, look out.

Now, all might be hunky dory when you're casually dating -- you don’t see each other that often, you still have all your "man time" and doing something with her is a cute novelty to break up the routine. Just know that, as you and the now "girlfriend" get closer, she isn't going to be happy playing second fiddle to your boys. Same goes for the guys: If they can't coexist, that’s OK, but make sure you know what you're getting into.