That's definitely does not sound normal. Question: Do the other seat belts in the car act the same way? Ask your girlfriend to sit in the back or the driver's side and try it.

It sounds to me like your belt retractor could use a few drops of lube.

__________________
"It's not about how fast you can go, but how well you can go fast."

Bob in Richmond

'97 S320 (LWB), Ruby Red Metallic, 73k miles
'97 S420V, Smoke Silver Metallic, 155k miles