The Issue: Your girlfriend can't seem to utter a single non-baby sentence.
How to Deal: Your instinct may be to clam up, because your friend is too knee-deep in BS (baby stuff) to be interested in your funny work story. But remember when you were house shopping and were so consumed by everything from adjustable mortgages to home inspections that your friend's hookup saga was actually a welcome break? 'Nuff said, now speak up.
The Issue: You feel left out of the "plus-one club."
How to Deal: If your prego or mommy friends are getting together without you, don't assume they've intentionally singled you out. In fact, on some level, they could be sparing you. Do you really want to referee a debate on the merits of the Medela versus the Ameda breast pump? Your pals are on hardcore fact-finding missions right now. In short, this has nothing to do with you.
The Issue: You're at baby showers every other weekend.
How to Deal: Hey, you're human. Don't feel guilty for not wanting to spend every Saturday cooing over onesies. If skipping a few fetes isn't an option, remember -- you don't have to stay for the whole party. Give your friend a heads up that you'll be slipping out early, then feel free to jet once she's opened your gift.
The Issue: You start comparing -- and feel like you're falling behind in life.
How to Deal: Have a heart-to-heart with your honey. Are the two of you really ready to take on that kind of responsibility? Do you want a baby now, or are you just feeling left out? You didn't move in together because all your friends were doing it (right?) and wouldn't basing your baby plans on them be way, well...insane? Bottom line: Peer pressure just might be the worst reason ever for becoming a parent.
The Issue: She's cleaned up her act, big time -- which is super. But she seems to expect you to do the same.
How to Deal: Your once fun-loving friend seems to have morphed into a total hall monitor type (i.e. "Do you know what coffee does to your adrenals?") The reason? Her health -- and that of her baby -- is her numero-uno now, and that's a good thing. So if she occasionally comments on, say, your french fry intake, take it for the loving gesture it is. Can't live with the tsk-tsking? Sweetly explain that you'll deal with your vices on your own time.
Click here to find out if you have toxic friends
How to make couples friends
-- The Nest Editors
See More: Couple Issues , Love & Sex