The benefits of being a third wheel

Three may be a crowd, but the single life is a party.

As single college students, we often explore the world on our own time; focus on our studies and future careers; and have our best friends by our side all along the way. But when him or her spending more time with a potential love interest, our knees buckle at the thought of our best friend being around less often.

Think about it: Life can seem pretty lonely when your best friend is in a relationship and you’re not. As the relationship progresses, the two of you still hang out and enjoy the same things, but you and your best friend never seem to spend any time together without his or her new beau. Before you know it, you feel like you’re a third wheel, and your best friend is moving on. Meanwhile, you’re stuck, alone, with three pets and a “single” Facebook status.

The truth is: Being single when your other friends are not doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. Here are two major things to remember about being a third wheel (and enjoying it):

You can learn from other’s mistakes

In reality, being one of the few single people in your friend group means you can take what they experience and learn from it. Being the third wheel is also like taking a free course in “Relationships 101,” especially if you’re friends with both parties. You’ll hear both sides of the argument of the day and develop much-needed objectivity. Although your friends may not want your advice, you will no doubt learn how to handle your own relationship matters from the way they handle their own.

You won’t be single forever

Cherish your single life. Unless it’s by choice, chances are you will not be single forever. You, like your friend, will find the person you’re supposed spend the rest of your life with. But in the meantime, you should cherish your freedom. Although it can be tiring, think about it this way: you don’t have to share the covers; you don’t have to worry about how you look when you run errands; and, you can focus on your future and be spontaneous at the same time.

Just remember: the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Everything happens for a reason, and your time for love with come. Next time you get that lonely feeling just remember these two things, and you’ll beat being the third wheel to the curb.