Friendships can get complicated when relationships come into play.
They want you to be happy, of course, but when you find a partner, they may start to feel a bit pushed aside and long for the days you were single (especially if they still are). Here are 15 signs that your friends might be feeling envious of your new relationship. Try not to be too hard on them — it happens to the best of us!
1. They constantly point out flaws in your partner.
If it feels like your friends suddenly have a magnifying glass on your relationship, they might be looking for reasons to feel better about being single. Whether it’s a small quirk or a bad haircut, they could be blowing minor things way out of proportion just to poke holes in what they see as “too good to be true.”
2. They don’t get excited about your relationship milestones.
When you hit big relationship milestones—like moving in together or getting engaged—your friends should be excited for you. But if they shrug it off or quickly change the subject, they could be feeling envious. This low-key dismissal often comes from a place of insecurity or a fear that your relationship is pulling you away.
3. They ‘forget’ to invite your partner to group hangouts.
You start noticing that every group event seems to be “just for the original crew” with no plus-ones allowed. Or worse, they tell you after the fact that your partner wasn’t included. They might be trying to hold on to the pre-relationship dynamics and avoid seeing you as part of a couple.
4. They get competitive about their love life.
Whenever you mention your relationship, they counter with stories about their dating life—even if it’s not that exciting. They might exaggerate or make it sound like they’re having just as much fun. It’s not that they want to steal the spotlight, but they may feel like they need to keep up, especially if they’re feeling behind in the love department.
5. They keep bringing up your exes.
If they’re constantly reminiscing about your ex or “the good old days” when you were single, that’s a sign. They might be trying to plant doubts in your head or make you second-guess your new relationship. At best, they’re nostalgic for when they had you all to themselves.
6. They stir the pot between you and your partner.
Sometimes, friends who are jealous may subtly stir up drama. They might casually mention things that cause misunderstandings or make little comments that make you second-guess your partner’s intentions. It’s usually not malicious, but it’s definitely not helpful.
7. They get clingy.
All of a sudden, they need you more than ever. They want to hang out constantly and might not be thrilled when your partner tags along. It’s like they’re trying to reclaim your time or prove that they still hold a top spot in your life. This behaviour usually stems from a fear of being replaced or losing you to your relationship.
8. They make backhanded compliments about your relationship.
“Wow, you’re lucky your partner puts up with your crazy schedule!” Sounds like a compliment, but it’s actually a little jab. These backhanded remarks can come out when someone is trying to mask their jealousy. It’s their way of acknowledging your relationship… while also throwing in a subtle dig.
9. They’re super vague about their own love life.
When relationships come up, they clam up. They don’t want to share much about their romantic life, maybe because they’re comparing it to yours and feel like they don’t measure up. The silence could be a sign that they’re feeling insecure and don’t want to be vulnerable about it.
10. They try to hog your attention when your partner is around.
Source: Pexels If your friends suddenly become attention-seeking when your partner’s with you, it’s a pretty clear sign of jealousy. They might interrupt conversations or pull you aside constantly, making your partner feel excluded. It’s like they’re trying to remind you (and your partner) that they still come first.
11. They say you’ve changed since you started dating this person.
Source: Unsplash “You’re different now” can sting, especially if it’s delivered with a disapproving tone. They might be suggesting you’ve lost your spontaneity or aren’t as fun anymore, but these comments often have more to do with their discomfort with change than anything else.
12. They seem weirdly interested in your relationship issues.
Source: Pexels Friends should listen when you vent, but if they seem a little too excited to hear about your relationship struggles, that’s a red flag. They might even dig for details, hoping to hear that your seemingly perfect relationship isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
13. They make you feel guilty for spending time with your partner.
Source: Pexels If you get passive-aggressive comments like, “You’re always with your partner now,” they’re probably feeling sidelined. It’s natural for friendships to shift when you’re in a relationship, but a jealous friend might struggle to accept that you need to balance both your romantic and social lives.
14. They try to flirt with your partner.
Source: Unsplash Flirting with your significant other is a major no-no, but sometimes jealousy can lead to exactly that. If a friend starts flirting with your partner, they’re probably trying to prove something, either to you, your partner, or themselves. Either way, it’s a sign of deep insecurity.
15. They constantly compare their situation to yours.
Source: Unsplash “Why can’t I find someone like your partner?” or “I wish I had what you have” might seem like compliments, but when it’s constant, it signals envy. They may be feeling like they’re missing out, and your relationship highlights their own frustrations about being single or having a less-than-perfect love life.
