Navigating Friendships: What to Do If You Dislike Your Friend's Partner

Sat Dec 06 2025 18:10:22 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As tensions rise on shows like Selling Sunset, we explore how to handle the tricky situation of disliking a friend's partner.

Conflicts between friends over partners can lead to tough situations. Recent drama in Netflix's Selling Sunset raised pertinent questions on handling such dilemmas, spurring debates on the best approaches to support friends while voicing concerns about their relationships. Experts offer guidance on how to navigate these rough waters and maintain friendships amidst disagreements.

It’s supposed to be a TV series about Los Angeles’ most beautiful homes, but the cast of Netflix’s Selling Sunset often steals the spotlight with their personal dramas. Recently, stars Chrishell Stause and Emma Hernan have ignited conversations about a very relatable issue: what to do when you dislike your friend’s partner.

The feud centers around Emma's boyfriend, Blake Davis, whom Chrishell openly disapproves of, claiming he has shown 'huge red flags.' Their conflict took center stage during an end-of-season reunion, leading many to question if it’s even possible to stay friends with someone whose partner you can’t stand.

To understand how to navigate this tricky situation, we've gathered insights from a woman who faced similar dilemmas and two relationship experts.

Friends Falling Out

Real-life stories resonate with viewers. For instance, Hannah, who chose not to reveal her surname, recounted her own fallout with a long-time friend over a partner’s inappropriate behavior. After witnessing her friend's fiancé make sexual comments towards her, Hannah felt uncomfortable and chose to speak up. Unfortunately, her friend dismissed her concerns, leading to a painful estrangement.

Expert Advice

Relationship expert Anna Williamson emphasizes the importance of approaching your friend with care. She advises avoiding judgment and instead suggests expressing concern in a supportive manner: I care about you so much, but I want to check in because I’ve noticed you seem really stressed lately. It’s crucial to stick to observable facts and avoid labels that can provoke defensiveness.

Remain Civil

When opinions clash, as seen between Chrishell and Emma over political views, Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar encourages mutual respect. She acknowledges that while differences in beliefs can be challenging, especially if they conflict with your values, it’s essential to navigate these tensions carefully. If you find a partner's behavior unacceptable, it may be necessary to reconsider the friendship.

The story of Hannah captures the sentiment many may relate to: I told her I love you, and the door is always open, but I can’t have him in my life. Such situations can lead to difficult choices, ultimately questioning how far friendship can stretch in the face of toxic relationships.