======= ======= ====== ====== ====== ===== ==== ====== ====== ===== ==== ======= ======= ====== ====== ====== ===== ==== ====== ====== ===== ====
Here’s a little rundown of my current situation: I’m only three short years away from the big 3-0. Out of my closest circle of friends, they are all married, engaged, or in serious relationships. I’ve been incredibly and notoriously single for the last four-and-a-half years. See that middle chick in the picture? Yep. That’s me with the wine.
Suffice it to say, I am a damn professional at being a third wheel. If third wheeling were an Olympic sport, I’d make the good ole U.S.A. super proud by taking home that gold medal.
Now, most might think I’m miserable when I go out with these friends. After all, who actually enjoys being the third wheel? Well, well, well. I, as a matter of fact, love third (or sometimes fifth) wheeling with my married friends when invited. It’s not necessary to let the happiness of other people suck the life out of me. If being around happy and successful couples is draining, maybe you need to step back and look at the benefits of third wheeling. And here’s why.
You get double the amount of friends.
Think about it. Not only are you connecting with your friend’s romantic partner, but you also have access to THEIR extended friend group. Your circle can widen and you can meet so many new friends just by spending time with them. Win-win.
You can learn from their relationship.
Through observing my friends’ relationships, I’ve been able to really see what I might want in a future partner. For example, when I see my friend’s boyfriend take out their trash without asking, I might make a mental note about how I appreciate someone who’s aware of spacial cleanliness and makes an effort to help out. In a sense, you can truly get a good gauge on what makes a great (or bad) relationship without actually being in one.
You have double the wingman power to support you.
When you’re a third wheel, you have twice the amount of access to a wingman. See a smokin’ hot prospect in the corner? You have two (2) people who can attempt to make an introduction and turn the tricycle into a four-wheeler.
You’re reminded that it can be awesome being single.
Ever see your couple friends connected at the hip to the point where it seems too claustrophobic? Or worse, ever see your couple friends fight in public? Sometimes, it ain’t pretty. Even if they’re arguing privately, oftentimes being a listening ear to your friend about their relationship struggles can be so emotionally taxing. It’s totally okay to take a sigh of relief that you don’t have to deal with this on a regular basis. It’s pretty awesome being unattached, and it’s okay to remember that.
You’re reminded that love exists.
Were you waiting for the cheesy AF part of this piece? Here it is. Hi. I don’t know about you, but every time I’m surrounded by my couple friends, I can’t help but get the beautiful reminder that love really exists. I look at them and see how great they work together and, even better, become a witness to how their love is so powerful and beautiful in a world that needs it (cheesy, I know, but true nevertheless). No matter how much I sometimes want to puke at their PDA and roll my eyes at the annoyingly cute texts they share, watching and learning from them reminds me that maybe I’ll get to turn my third wheeling into a legitimate double date at some point.
So I’ll leave everyone with this — instead of wallowing in your time being single, enjoy the perks that come with being a third wheel. If all else fails and you still hate hanging with your couple friends alone, that’s what a bottle of Merlot is for. .
Respond
KatieCallaway
Katie is 27 and is from Nashville, TN but lives in Los Angeles, CA as an actress, comedian, writer, and marketing manager. Although some might disagree, she likely peaked when she had dinner with Randy Jackson and he called her “dude” a lot. You can see her active on the Twitterverse at @KECallaway or you can also follow her new Insta at @KatieCallaway even though she hates Instagram.
@kecallaway
@katiecallaway
Are we just gonna ignore the fedora/all black/multiple gold chains look that the gentleman on the right is sporting?
He looks straight out of a Simple Plan music video
I came here just to help bring attention to “fedora guy”. Is he serious?
It looks just like Nick
If hat guy on the right can pull, you will be just fine Katie
Katie, Not only will you be just fine, but you are quite fine! 😉
Best,
JG
I’m really good at it and who doesn’t like the things they’re good at.
Being a third wheel with friends you actually like beats being in a crappy relationship just to avoid being single 100% of the time. Solid take Katie, this serial 3rd wheelers feeling a little better on a Tuesday after reading this.
Waiting on the inevitable cascade of sups.
Please no.
I gotchu
current mood: the guy in the picture ravaging that sandwich
Being at the bar and with couples who get drunk and just constantly fight in front of everyone else and make things super awkward is actually the worst…
If your couple friends are constantly fighting in front of everyone else and making things awkward then you need new friends
Perhaps…But let’s be honest, long term relationships mixed with alcohol inevitably leads to passive aggressive bickering every time. And yes I’m sure there are exceptions but more often than not it’s just way more enjoyable to not be the 3rd, 5th, 7th wheel etc..
What’s going on with the couple on the left’s kiss?
sup?
I’d add that there’s a lot less pressure, too. I go on a camping trip every summer with two happily married couples and their kids. It is SO relaxing. None of that single-people sex tension.
we live and die by the tension