By Laura Snyder

Introducing a new flame to your family is still a major litmus test, but for modern couples, the approval of your friends carries even more weight.

A study in the "Journal of Personality and Social Psychology" found that a woman's friends could predict the fate of a relationship better than the man's pals or even the couple themselves. Why? Probably because - unlike your family - you choose your friends, and they're a reflection of who you are.

But how much should your friends' opinions affect the future of your romance?

Silence Isn't Golden

Unless you've got some very honest and outspoken friends, your pals will probably be wary about commenting on your relationship (unless it's ending). What should you worry about? If none of your friends will talk about your partner, if your pals regularly don't have time to hang out with both of you but seem to be free when plans are with you alone and if your steady admits to not liking your friends (chances are, it's mutual).

Weigh Opinions

When should you not factor in your friends? If their lives are very different from yours and your partner's. That is, if your beer-ponging pals express disdain for your "boring, responsible" new love interest, then you might want to think about how valuable that opinion is to you. Jealousy can also be the culprit when friends and lovers don't get along. Friends might resent being "left behind" or your spending less time with the group. Gently probe your pals with open-ended questions ("I notice it's sometimes uncomfortable when we're all together. How do you feel hanging out with X?"), and see if you can suss out the real reasons.

Check the Numbers

One disapproving friend might prove a fluke, but what if all of your cronies think your new love is a louse? Well, it's hard to argue with those averages. You might not call it off (yet), but if everyone agrees you can do better, you might at least postpone decisions that involve moving trucks, diamonds or diapers.

Look Out

In some cases - when it's your best friend versus your sweetheart, and there's no compromise in sight - you might consider getting outside perspective in the form of a counselor. If both your friendship and your relationship are worth keeping, it can be good to have someone help you all talk through things.