Xander and Anya had so hoped Buffy would be into the 'friend' they brought to her Season Six birthday, and Buffy herself had hoped to bond with the co-worker she brought, but what happens in this scenario is that she instead bonds with Clem. They become super tight, in fact, and he offers her a fresh perspective. Because Clem's got some great Spike stories, and some timely advice for the Slayer. It also helps that he's one of the few people who know about Spuffy's relationship. 

Write a fic in which this really turns things around for our favourite power couple.