Hello Everyone,
I'm not really one to ask for advice online like this...and I know this is a cliche topic but I am curious about the opinion/advice of other dollars.

I've fallen in love with a good friend for about three years now and we've developed a romantic relationship within the 4 years we've known each other. We finally got together officially a few months ago.

I do feel like sometimes we're friends first, lovers second. I know its not a bad thing. The situation is that we share the same circle of friends and are both on the pre-med track so a majority of our time is studying or with a group of friends. It's hard to get time to ourselves seeing as our friends always want to be around us. Neither I or my boyfriend, have the heart to push them away. Usually if our friends come over we tend to cancel our date night in and things of that nature.

My question is how much quality time do you guys think is healthy? How should I go about it? I don't want our friends to feel like they're a third wheel when they're around us which is why I'm afraid to say things like "we need some time to ourselves...". I know its contradicting but I'm also afraid that the amount of time I spend alone with my boyfriend isn't sufficient. I'm afraid of drifting apart in the long run. I know its irrational seeing as we see each other regularly but I'm afraid to lose that deeper connection as we get busier. Would you please give me your opinion and any advice?
In advance thank you for you're time and thoughts. I really do appreciate them.

>>1 Talk to your boyfriend about it and come up with a solution together. It's perfectly fine to tell your friends that you need some "alone time", I know it may seem rude but you have every right to want some time alone with your boyfriend. Tell your friends that the two of you will be going on a date and can't make plans to hang out that day. If you plan ahead and let your friends know in advance then they should be able to cope and not feel excluded. I hope this helps in some way~ :3

>>2 sums it up pretty well. I would also say that different relationships require different amounts of "alone time". He may like the idea of the "friends first, lovers second" thing. But I still think you need to talk to him about the fact that think what you are doing is insufficient. Your worries aren't unrealistic. As for the friends bit, they will be cool if you tell them in advance. This also means you have to plan dates a while in advance so when they ask "hey want to(insert activity here) on (insert day here)?" you can tell them "sorry, I'm going on a date". They will be mad if you call them a day before they where planning to do something and say "hey, cant go, going on a date" multiple times. This doesnt mean you have to announce your dating schedule to everyone though. Only tell them if they ask. And just so you know, there's a dating problem thread. You would probably have better luck finding help by posting there.

Oh, thanks a lot for the input! Haha, I guess it's as simple as talking... and I'll be sure to keep everything in mind :)

AH! I didn't realize! I'm still trying to figure things out on here. Oh, no I didn't wanna be one of those people! (who post on the wrong board) >.<. Thanks for letting me know :)