What To Do When Your Boyfriend Has No Friends Or Social Life

Does your boyfriend struggle to make friends?

Are you concerned that his lack of a social life is a red flag?

Read on to find out what to do when your boyfriend has no friends or social life.

If your boyfriend has no friends, you might feel confused, worried, or even annoyed that he doesn’t have a social circle outside of you.

However, it’s important to identify the reason behind his shortage of friends before you bring it up with him. 

How are you defining having no social life? 

Firstly, you have to pinpoint your definition of “no friends”.

Does this literally mean your boyfriend has zero friends, or does he simply have way fewer friends than you do?

If you’re a social butterfly and he’s quite introverted, you both might have a very different view of his social life. He might not even recognize that there’s an issue. 

On the other hand, if he never hangs out with anyone other than you and doesn’t have any hobbies where he’s interacting with other people, this could be a problem.

Why doesn’t your boyfriend have any friends? 

If your boyfriend was able to get you, he must have some social skills. So if he struggles to grow his friend group beyond a couple of members, there are several possible causes. 

1. Firstly, did he have a group of friends previously, but they got into a fight or just lost touch?

He might be hurt from losing them and not sure how to go about making new friends. With a little love and support, you’ll undoubtedly be able to coax him out of his shell. 

2. Conversely, has your boyfriend always been a lone wolf? Has he ever had close friends?

If this is the case, determine whether he prefers it this way, or if he has a hard time reaching out to people and forming meaningful connections, despite wanting to. 

3. Another option you should ask yourself is whether your relationship has pulled him away from his friends.

Did you struggle to get along with the friends he used to have? This can be a tricky situation- while it’s important for you and your significant other to have independent lives and connections, it’s always easier (and healthier) when everyone in those lives gets along.

If your boyfriend is being socially isolated as a result of your relationship, identify the root cause of the tension, and then figure out the next steps.

You can either try and mend your relationship with his friends, or help him find new ones. The path you choose depends on your personal situation. 

4. Finally, do you have the same friend group? Does your boyfriend just not have any friends that are ONLY his? Does that make things awkward for you?

While it’s always wonderful to have mutual friends, it can also be tricky.

You shouldn’t drive him away from any friends you share, but it may be helpful to encourage him to form additional bonds with people outside of your combined social circle. 

Is it a red flag if your boyfriend has no friends?

What does your boyfriend’s lack of friends say about him as a person? Should this make you question his character?

The answer to these questions all depends on your unique relationship, and who you both are as individuals. 

Most importantly, to what extent does his social life affect your relationship? Are you constantly bickering about whether to go out or stay in? Do you feel like you have to choose between him and your friends?

No

If you and your boyfriend fall on very different ends of the introvert-extrovert spectrum, you might have misaligned preferences.

However, this seeming lack of compatibility can actually work to your benefit, if you’re able to compromise.

With proper communication, you can help him become a little bit more of a social butterfly (okay, maybe a caterpillar, but still…), and he can help you settle down when needed.

An open and honest conversation, followed up by meaningful action, could be the easy solution to your problem. 

Maybe

However, if your boyfriend has no friends and it affects the way he treats you, or he gets jealous and clingy, it could be a red flag.

If he’s using his small social circle as a way to constantly follow you around when you’re with your friends, you may start to feel smothered, which could foster resentment long-term. You definitely don’t want that.

Hopefully, he isn’t aware of what he’s doing, and a straightforward (but compassionate) conversation about boundaries can set him back on the right path.

He shouldn’t be banned from girls’ nights forever, but you do need time to be alone with your friends every once in a while. 

Definitely

If your boyfriend seems to be purposely controlling you due to his lack of friends, and he tries to keep you away from your friends, it’s definitely a red flag.

This is the worst-case scenario.

It’s totally okay for you and him to have different social styles, and you can work together to find a great compromise. It’s never okay for him to use that different social style to control you.

You are allowed to see your friends if you want, and can also see them without him if that’s what you prefer. Never let him make you feel like you’re doing anything wrong for maintaining your friendships.

However, even if he is being controlling, and/or purposely smothering you, all hope is not lost. There are still several steps you can take to improve his behaviour and mend your relationship, if you want to. 

Does it matter if your boyfriend has no friends?

If your boyfriend is happy and fulfilled in life despite his small social circle, he likely isn’t going to be controlling or jealous of yours.

Ideally, he’s already satisfied with his lifestyle! However, if he’s a little lost, helping him find a gratifying hobby may be the key to getting him off your back. 

If your boyfriend has a hobby that brings him joy, he may not have the time or energy for a large group of friends. You may not understand it, but maybe his passion for hiking, woodworking, or writing is all he really wants to do in his free time.

If he already has a hobby that he loves, but you’re still worried about his social life, encourage him to connect with other people who share his passion! With the help of the internet, you can find people interested in almost anything, no matter how niche it is. 

What should you do if your boyfriend has no friends?

1. Identify the cause of his social isolation

Did he lose friends, has he always preferred to fly solo, or do you share the same friend group?

2. Talk to him about it

Open, honest and respectful communication can solve almost any relationship issue.

3. Listen to him and his social needs

Respect his wishes- if he’s a total introvert, don’t force him into a week-long booze cruise with 20 of your closest friends.

However, set your own boundaries as well. You both deserve to have your social needs met! 

4. Create a game plan

Try to come up with a compromise that meets both of your social wishes, and leave you both satisfied.

For example, on Friday nights you might want to go out with a group of friends, but on Saturday’s you have a night-in, just the two of you.

Or if you know he’s a sweet guy who just struggles to make a good first impression, be his friend-making wingwoman!

5. If he’s jealous and controlling

Be wary, and talk to trusted friends and family members (or professionals, in extreme circumstances) for advice on what to do.

Stand your ground if needed, don’t let him gaslight you. If you know there’s an issue with his social life, and it’s affecting yours, you have every right to discuss it. Again, rely on your friends and family for an outside opinion if needed.

After following these steps, you may discover that you and your boyfriend sadly aren’t compatible as a couple.

If your social needs are too different to work romantically, you can end the relationship if you need to- don’t feel guilty. You deserve to be with someone who makes you happy in every single aspect of your life.

However, if you and your boyfriend are able to work together and blend your different social statuses, you can almost certainly help him gain more friends, while strengthening your relationship at the same time!