Seems to me that your friends are probably very shallow if they can't get past the way ole boy looks. I'm guessing you were probably like that at some point as well and grew up. But let's back up, your friends know you're dating somebody, but you just haven't introduced them because you don't think your friends will be very accepting?
What we have here is the pot calling the kettle black. You are afraid your friends will not like him because he's not "attractive" enough, which you prejudged for them. However, you also don't think your friends can get over themselves to welcome somebody that you like. Either you all suck (which it sounds like), or you need to give your friends more credit. Perhaps you'll introduce him and they'll fall in love with him like you did and all will be fine and dandy and you all can go sugar plum picking in Birkenstocks and Abercrombie & Fitch gear.
Basically, young grasshopper, you need to give your friends a chance. Maybe they are haters who will treat him like crap because he's not cute enough. Or maybe you'll all have fun. Point is, you have to introduce them at some point to even know this. You're holding back because YOU clearly have some reservations about the meeting. Maybe you're the one holding up progress. Not your friends.
And if your friends do suck after they meet, screw them, they'll probably be the type of friends who'd let you get drunk and leave a party with some guy you didn't know.
Es no bueno.
I have had this problem and he's right it is more about you then the friends.
Friends will be nice, even if they are lying, and after the first few meetings they won't care anymore anyway, he's not their BF...but you don't think he's cute enough to date you by your standards and are embarrassed that you settled for him...because of the image and standards you have set for yourself among your friends. It bites you in the arse doesn't it?
Point is, either get over it or find someone new...trade in some of that good inside for better outside so you can be more comfortable.
And btw, I don't think it means you suck or you're shallow beyond words. We all have our likes/dislikes, some of us can't get past the other person is stupid, nerdy, too trendy, etc...not cute enough is just another one of those things.
i had that problem too. i met my current bf at a party and after i danced with him, my ex-best friends all came over to say that he's ugly and i should just drop the connection. obviously i didnt drop him, i felt a click and i sticked with him. their words about him did make me consider his looks for quite a while. but i decided that i like my guy and i dont give an arse's ass what they thought. Now im in the best relationship i've ever been in (long distance though.. just imagine what it would be like short distance if its feeling so good now! xD) and my bf has lost lots of weight and is looking hotter than any bf that they ever had! though i did drop out with them, and they are trying to make my life miserable. but come graduation day (yay!) i'll be gone to him :)))
BFF, I like the advice! I have been through similar situations and I have to say...its your life honey! Your friends are truly your "friends" if they can see past looks and see that a loving relationship is better than any egoistic looks! =)
I understand how that could be problematic but really it's not about them. It's about you and him. Amongst my group of girlfriends, we all seem to have different taste, some more different than others but none of us go for the same guys and I think it's a good thing. I don't care if they think a guy I'm attracted to isn't cute. I don't want him for them. I want him for me. As long as they respect him then they'll be no problems.