I'm Single, but My Friends Are Not

I don't know how it came to be this way, but I am officially the only single person in my group of friends. And no, my friend that is kind of on and off with this one guy counts as taken, because at least she has someone. I don't even have someone waiting in the lurch for me, or a casual hook up buddy who I can call when I'm feeling lonely. I am completely and utterly single. Not that it's a bad thing; before you start to read into what you think I'm attempting to communicate here, I'll clear it up beforehand so there is no confusion. I'm happy being single and I'm not upset that my friends all have boyfriends. I'm honestly happy for them. It's just challenging at times when I go out with the group and everyone has a partner except for me. It brings back rather unpleasant playground memories of elementary school exclusion.

First there's the whole seating arrangement thing. Booths in restaurants are made to accomodate four people, rides at theme parks go in twos. So, everyone pairs off, and then I'm the odd one out. When we go out to eat and the two couples I'm with pile into a booth, the waitress always places an out-of-place looking chair on the end of the table so I'm noticeably sticking out on the end. I could view this as a bad thing, but in a way, I have the best seat at the table. I'm free to get up and down as I please, and I have a better view of the restaurant and who's passing by. Also, I don't have to wait for someone to get up so I can go to the restroom, I go freely.

Then, there's that ackward part where everyone is holding hands, or leaning against each other, and I'm standing off on the end by myself. I'm not going to lie, I have my moments where I wish I had some guy to put his arm around me or give me a nice hug in front of my friends, but you know what? I've had it before, and I'll have it again someday. It's not like I'm going to be single for the rest of my life. Besides, I have the freedom to look around and notice cute guys in my radar, and it's easier to be approached by a guy when I don't have someone holding my hand.

And when it comes the time where the couples want to be alone or should probably get a room, I make sure to jet on out of there. I know when my time is up, and instead of putting myself in those situations, I have developed a sixth sense in which I can tell when I'm supposed to leave. It's like this invisible cue that tells me to leave while the going is still good. And I simply will not tolerate it when friends start to go overboard on the PDAs. If friends start making out in front of me, I'm leaving the room. I won't stand for it! I would never expect someone to put up with it, and I certainly refuse to put up with it as well.

Another "safe" way to handle these situations is to get a platonic guy friend to complete your "pair" for the night. That way you have someone to sit next to and talk with when things get uncomfortable with the other couples. And there's no obligation to hook up or do anything out of your comfort zone. That way, you don't feel excluded by the others and you can still be a part of the fun.

I've been the third wheel so many times that I can handle it now, but it's not the funnest feeling in the world so my best piece of advice for all you third-wheelers out there is: just don't be the third wheel anymore. Either don't put yourself in the situation, or change the situation to your advantage. Basically, stay home or bring a guy friend. Simple as that.