Why would anyone even consider settling just to make others happy? You have only so many years to make yourself happy, don’t waste them.
Regarding the friends, pick the ones you like best and lay claim to them, especially if you met them first. Now if your “significant other” met them first you should respect that and let them lay claim to those friends.
About how to do it? Just be honest and tell them you’re not happy and don’t feel comfortable dealing with the constant pressure to marry. Many times the pressure coming from your significant other has an ulterior motive that is not communicated, often that motivation is to start cranking out babies.
One more note, with every couple I have experienced that recently get married, children are ALWAYS the next logical step (especially for females) and you can count on the family starting within 1-2 years following the wedding. Make sure this is what you are looking for.
