We've all been guilty of giving questionable relationship advice, even if we think we're experts like Patti Stanger. Sometimes we tell our friends what they want to hear instead of the truth, and they do the same for us. It's not malicious, it's just that our advice is often based on our own experiences rather than what our friends are going through. We combine our own relationship history with what our friend tells us about her guy, so when it comes time to ask the tough questions, we need to choose our confidants wisely.
1. Your Brunch Buddies
Getting relationship advice can be challenging when you struggle to share the details of your new love interest with your friends. You don't want to come across as overly cheesy or unrealistic, but at the same time, you don't want to reveal too much until you have a clearer understanding of the situation. While discussing guys over brunch is always a fun topic, there are times when you just need to keep things private until you have a better grasp of the situation.
2. Your One Friend Who Always Tells It Like It Is
Every friend group has their own version of the Sex and the City characters, with someone like a Samantha/Miranda hybrid who you can turn to for advice when you need help figuring out a confusing text message. Though their blunt honesty might resemble something out of "He's Just Not That Into You," it's better than waiting around for a text that will never come.
3. Your One Friend Who Always Makes You Feel Better
We all have that friend who tells us what we want to hear instead of the truth, depending on our emotional state. She might encourage us to send a risky text or make us believe that he's not calling because he's not over his ex. It might make us feel better temporarily, but it's not always coming from a place of honesty.
4. Your Bitter Bestie
Her relationship advice can be depressing, especially if she had a bad breakup or has been in a long-term relationship for a while. It's better to seek out a friend who tells the truth than to spend time with her and end up feeling worse.
5. Your Well Meaning, But Often Wrong, Family
Although your mom's relationship advice may be valuable due to her experience, her desire for grandchildren could cloud her judgment and make her more lenient than necessary. While seeking advice from older family members is not always the best option, your brothers might surprise you with their insights on dating and relationships. Don't underestimate their ability to give meaningful advice.
6. Your Roommate(s)
Your roommate is the one person who sees who you consistently go out with. She may be the one who decides it's time for you to lower your standards if you're not seeing anyone at all, or she may witness a parade of douchebags entering the door. Regardless, she knows you better than anyone else, for better or for worse.
7. Your Exes (The Ones You Don't Actually Hate)
In an ideal scenario, staying friends with ex-boyfriends would be easy. However, in reality, it can be challenging to have casual drinks with someone you used to have a romantic relationship with, especially when the dynamic is almost the same as before (minus the physical aspect). But if you do manage to remain on good terms, they could give you valuable advice on your sexual preferences since they know you intimately.
8. Your Guy Friends
Guy friends are great for providing insight into what your new guy is really thinking, especially when your female friends can't provide it. While it might mean hearing some crude comments, it's worth it in the end. After all, you can only analyze the same text message with your girls so many times before it drives you insane, and that's where your guy friends can step in to help.
9. Your Best Friend's Boyfriend
A male friend in a committed relationship can offer valuable advice because of his experience, long-term friendship, and lack of ulterior motives. However, he may not be as invested in hearing about your romantic issues as you are in confiding in him.
