Before my current relationship, I was single for a long time, which means I've put in some pretty serious time as a third wheel. You know, the third person who hangs (sometimes awkwardly) out with a couple on the reg. Sometimes it feels totally natural to hang out as a trio. But other times, and especially when they're a new couple who can't keep their hands off one another, the third wheeling struggle is real. If there's one thing to ease the pain of being a serial party of three — if these tweets about third wheeling are any indication — at least you aren't alone in, well, being alone with a party of two. After all, sometimes just knowing other people are going through the same thing as you can take some of the sting out of it.
Or maybe you're currently coupled up with a third party who hangs out with you so much you're practically a triad, and you want to know what's really on your friend's mind. Well, if Twitter is good for anything, it's keeping it real about what we're feeling. Here's how fellow third-wheelers on Twitter feel about their experiences being a couple's forever plus-one. It's so true, it almost hurts.
This is one way to make the most of your third wheel status.
Who needs a date when you have beer?
Ouch, I've totally been here.
Yep, I know how this one feels, too.
Nothing is worse than feeling like you are the odd man out with friends.
Keep your chin up.
Sometimes third wheeling has its perks, like when you get to be front row for some drama.
We really need an app for third wheels to find fellow single friends.
All the fun of being a couple, with none of the responsibility.
Sounds like a million dollar idea, let's make it happen.
It's true tho. Sorry, not sorry.
See, it's funny because it's true. Sure, being the third party isn't always easy or even fun, but sometimes you just have to embrace it, go with the flow, and make the best of it. If you are third-wheeling, it's probably because this is a couple you are friends with. Consider them just that: Your friends. All of a sudden, you might find that this third-wheel situation feels like less of a situation, and like more of just you hanging out with your friends. That, right there, is something to celebrate.