#THIRD-WHEELS#

I've been a member of the third wheel society since middle school when one of my good friend was in a relationship, this was her first (to my knowledge) boyfriend and I remember her telling me that she was nervous on having their first date so she asked me to come along to stop any possible awkward situations that might occur. Good for them, I don't think there were any. I had a fun time too, however I didn't realize at that time that it would be the start of my job as the designated third wheel.

Looking back, I realized I have third wheel for possibly most of my close friends, and funnily I have third wheel in the 3 countries I have lived in: Indonesia, Singapore and Australia. I found it fascinating (more like depressing) that even after moving away twice I still had the ability to become the third wheel but alas, maybe being a third wheel was just meant to be. Maybe I was born to be a third wheeler. Maybe my duty in life, my 'dharma' as one might say, is to forever be a third wheeler. Hopefully not.
To make things clear, it's not that I am complaining about being a third wheel or have a great dislike of being one because that's not the case at all. On the contrary, I am usually good friends with the two other parties (who are the couples) so the three of us would not be as uncomfortable. However, I'm not sure if they (these couples I have third wheeled for) realize how awkward it is to be in the third wheel position sometimes. I know most couples try to make the situation or outing as less awkward as it can be for the third wheel, surely and hopefully none of them had deliberately ignore the third wheel the whole time; they all try to have a good time. This simply does not work in some cases. It is inevitable no matter how hard you try it. Let's have a scenario:

Leslie and Mark are dating. They are both very good friends with Jennifer whom they hang out a lot with during the weekends. So Leslie and Mark invited Jennifer out to the city on the Saturday. In my opinion there are only 4 possible ways this can end up.

1. Leslie, Mark and Jennifer all had a wonderful time. In some moments Leslie and Mark would do what couples generally do such as holding hands and sharing a kiss or two which is perfectly understandable and Jennifer understands too even though at times it does make the situation a bit awkward or uncomfortable for Jennifer. People on the streets would easily point the odd one out.
2. Leslie and Mark, knowing Jennifer would be joining them, decides their best not to act so 'couple-y' around Jennifer on Saturday which makes things awkward for everyone. Jennifer would be confused to whether why they are not acting as they should be. Leslie/Mark would probably have an awkward moment when Jennifer and their other partner talk more than the couple themselves. There would always be one person in the group that feels left behind.
3. Jennifer had a horrible time whilst Leslie and Mark were blinded by their own love towards one another and complete ignored Jennifer's presence.
4. Before the three even gone out of their houses an UFO hovers above Earth and an unexpected alien invasion occurs which by default ruined their plans of going out to the city.

What I am curious about, is how different people react to third wheeling. Personally I'm getting sick of third wheeling, the many times I had been a third wheeling is now uncountable. But then again this might also be just the PMS talking. Either way, I don't want to third wheel anymore. In most cases if I can avoid to be a third wheel, I shall avoid it. No offense to anyone it's just, I'm tired. Nothing personal. Fifth wheeling is also out of the question.
These days, being a third wheel just makes me feel (pardon my french) fucking shitty. You know how tiresome it is to have the thought that if in the unlikeliness of a catastrophic event, the two lovebirds would save one another undoubtedly. To make it more simple, it's like in primary school when there are three friends and the teacher tells us to choose a partner you would be the one that would always gets left out. I have experienced the series of head turns with the apologetic "Sorry, but I'm with her/him" from various people. You paddle your own canoe fuckers [this was from a book, I don't remember which book but it made sense].
Another thing I am curious about is if couples realize how they can unintentionally make us third wheelers feel super shitty.

So long story short (if y'all were too lazy to read the rest of the post), after years of being a third wheel in hang outs, parties, cinemas and even graduation, being a third wheel makes you feel like shit.

Now go make out with your boyfriend/girlfriend. If you don't have one yet, you will. Use protection. And I'll probably third wheel with you guys too.