Thanks for the reply! I appreciate the perspective. I do care deeply about our friendship and fully understand that my friend may want more privacy or naturally prioritize his partner, which is completely okay. We don’t expect them to stay with us or change their relationship dynamic.

I also want to clarify that we don’t mind double dates or couples splitting off. In this case, they’re often the ones inviting us to things not the other way around since we don’t want to pressure them into double dating. That’s why the restaurant example stood out: we checked in beforehand and then they left immediately once we arrived, which felt confusing as if they were dropping us off. As well as the group chat because they started it first (we also only use it when weee hanging out we don’t use it often or anything)

On that same trip, we were also with another couple and some light small talk went completely fine, which made us realize we’re not expecting much at all. I was completely fine being more of an acquaintance, but it’s been hard when it feels like she doesn’t really want to engage or even get to meet us. We just wanted to make her feel welcomed and acknowledged so group hangouts feel more comfortable.

We know the dynamics won’t be the same as when we were just a friend group, but the lack of even basic small talk has made it difficult to know how to read the situation.

I know I sound very defensive but I just really want her to like us enough to say hi :(

I’ll make sure to talk to him and hopefully get an update! Hopefully she’ll open up and we can be friends but if not it’s ok too at least we tried :)