you were out with your bf/gf, after a period of not having met each other, and about halfway through the date, you receive a text message from a very close friend of several years(of the same gender so no underlying sexual tensions).

close friend is emotionally distraught over whatever reason, and requests to meet you in a couple of hours time for a heart to heart talk.

on one hand, this is a very close friend we're talking about, and there seems to be a serious problem. even if you did not meet up, you'll be thinking about your friend at the back of your head.

on the other hand, your bf/gf expresses disappointment and annoyance at having to cut short the date. he/she feels that if you go off to meet your friend, you are signalling that you do not value him/her.

What do you do here?

Unless it's an emergency, like he's about to kill himself, then tell your friend that you're busy, but you'll see him once you're free. Personally I would give him a call and suss out how serious the problem is. Your friend should respect that you're spending time with your gf, and if you've scheduled a time with someone, you should keep to it.

op here. thanks for the response.

the thing is even you stayed with the bf/gf, you'll still be worrying about your friend's situation.

and the friend knows that you're with your bf/gf but still asks you to turn up...

=/

You can spend time with a boyfriend or girlfriend whenever, but you can only support your friend in a time of need in this instance.

Dissapointment and annoyance less of an issue than anguish being suffered by your friend.

Assuming this isn't a common occurrence, why should gf/bf be annoyed? That's a pretty selfish reaction.

Let's consider the inverse, if you and your friend were out having a mandate or girls night out and your gf/bf called you asking for you to come right away because they were distraught. It's not an emergency but they indicate they are very upset. Would you cut short your friendship outing to tend to the needs of your gf/bf?