By Ashyia Hill
You’ve managed to make a romantic spark turn into a comfortable relationship, and now you want to bring your new partner around to meet your friends. Meeting your closest friends and family could be a make-or-break moment–especially if he doesn’t connect with them or even like them for that matter. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help make your lover feel more relaxed about the meet and greet. In fact, many of these tactics are ones that we see celebrities using in their relationships. So, let’s take a cue from a few famous couples with the following five steps:
1. Don’t force your friends on your partner
Some independence in a relationship is healthy. AskMen.com put together a profile of Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen’s relationship that shows how the celebrity power couple has maintained independent careers that take them all over the world, while still cultivating a sizzling relationship. This independence can also be applied to your friendships. One way to do that is by scheduling time to meet up with your friends separately.  That way, when it’s time to plan a get-together, you can focus on helping your partner feel at ease instead of trying to catch up on your friends’ lives.
2. Give them talking points
Just as celebrities prepare for their TV and magazine interviews, you can help your sweetie feel a little more prepared around your pals with a little prep time. Give them some background on the people they’ll meet and match up any commonalities they may have with your friends. Another idea is to provide them with some fun factoids that will help get the conversations rolling and break the ice.
3. Plan a double date
Arrange a double date with another couple you know. This way, your honey can socialize one-on-one and get to know your friends better. Of course, you’ll want to steer clear of double dates with friends whose partners you don’t care for or you think your significant other won’t get along with!
4. Take a trip together
You see celebs doing this all the time. Of course, you don’t need to fly off on a private jet to a world-class resort to get the same effect but a weekend away can bond people immediately.  If you’re tight on budget, keep it close to home.
5. Steer clear of friendly exes
Tabloids often publish pictures of celebrities remaining friendly with their exes. But getting your current flame together with a fizzled out one isn’t the best idea. Instead, focus on life-long friends who have always been and will forever remain platonic.
How do you make your partner feel comfortable around your friends? Leave a comment with your perspective.
Ashyia Hill is a social media advocate at the cash back credit card website, CreditDonkey.
