Should I take this personally; my boyfriend doesn’t want to go on dates with me because he feels bad he isn’t going with other people?

[Anonymous]

we used to go on dates frequently when we first started dating, obviously. A year and a half later, we still go on dates but usually with his friends or with another couple we know. The dates are still super fun but I wish we could go on dates one-on-one with more… uh… romance I guess. I asked him “maybe we should go on a date alone.” He said that he feels bad going without his friends (for example like to the movies). He makes excuses to take me out. The last time we went on a “date” was for my birthday a few months ago. We have different ideas for date time and quality time. We are both learning, but it kinda hurt me that he keeps bringing up that he would rather go out with his friends and me together on a date than just me—the both of us.

thoughts?

Updates

+1 y

Update: So I had a good conversation with him. We came to the conclusion that if I want to go on dates, I need to plan them. I feel very good about the conversation that we had. thanks to you all !

[whiskeyontherocks]

That makes no sense
Dates are always one on one everything else is just out with friends.
Maybe asking his friends infront of him if you 2 can have some alone time get change his mindset

[Zolly99999]

Yes thats weird. To me dates are just her and I.

[slatyb]

Are you willing to do this for the next ten years?