How to Get Along with Your Boyfriend's Best Friends

There is no group of people more critical of a guy's girlfriend than his best friends. They often critique his new girlfriend, size her up and share their feelings, holding nothing back. If you're lucky, your boyfriend's best friends see you as the beautiful and talented woman you are. But, if they're jealous of you or think you're stealing their buddy away, they may feel differently. Learn how to get along with your man's best friends while keeping the peace.

Instructions

1. Stand on your own two feet. Be confident. Nothing projects confidence like being your own woman, hitched or single. Not only will you radiate charisma to your boyfriend, his friends will take note as well.

2. Have your own group of girlfriends. If your boyfriend is having a guy's poker night, invite the ladies over for a DVD session of Sex and The City. Not only will you be entertained, one of your man's friends might even like one of your girlfriends.

3. Get to know them. If you're hanging out with your man's buddies, ask them about their jobs, their favorite movies and how their families are. Really make an effort to show that you're interested in befriending them as individuals.

4. If the guys are coming over for a game or Ultimate Fighting Championships tournament, cook up some nachos and burgers, and hand out beers. Men love to eat, and nothing will score you points with his buddies faster than a cold one and some munchies.

5. Accept that your boyfriend's best friends are people he has known a long time. Don't try to change or badmouth them, even if they call you "sweetie" and guffaw louder than your Uncle George during "Saturday Night Live." Smile and realize that your man needs his guy time.

6. Compromise with your boyfriend. If he invites his buddies over every Sunday afternoon for the game, make Friday night margarita and fajita-night with your girlfriends.

Tips & Warnings

• Accept that they are your boyfriend's friends, not yours. There is no law stating that you must be their best friend as well.

• Never get into an argument with his best friends. He'll be forced to stand up for his girlfriend, which will inevitably hurt his friendship with his buddy.