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4 Ways To Survive Being the Third Wheel

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Vic chapter.

If you’re anything like us, you’ll be headed home this winter break to home cooked meals, presents and family gatherings. You’ll possibly also be faced with being the third wheel (or fifth, or seventh or ninth…). Fear not singletons! Here are some easy ways to make that somewhat awkward moment more bearable.

 

  1. Talk.

Don’t interrupt the flow of the conversation but don’t stay silent either. By actively contributing to the conversation you’ll make it impossible for the couple(s) to leave you out.

BONUS: You might find out something new about your friend (or her S.O.)!

 

  1. Capture your surroundings!

 

If you can’t seem to get into the conversation, take in the environment around you. Make the dinner date, ski trip or whatever else it may be more enjoyable by snapping pics of the scenery and creating memories.

BONUS: your friend will probably appreciate the cute pics you grab of her and her S.O.

 

  1. Get a cuddle buddy.

 

Just because your friends and their SOs are cuddling on the couch doesn’t mean you have to sit alone on the edge. You don’t even need another person! Grab a stuffy, blanket or fluffy pillow and go to town. It may not be a living being but it’s just as good.

BONUS: your non-human cuddle buddy is available whenever you want, wherever you want, even when you’re not third wheeling

 

  1. Crack jokes.

 

Get comfortable in your lack of a date by cracking jokes about it. Being able to make fun of yourself will get you and your friends laughing.

BONUS: By acknowledging your awkward situation it becomes less awkward and more enjoyable.

 

By choosing to not dwell in your “loneliness”, you’ll be able to have a much better time!

If all else fails, plan a girls night or let your friend know that you want to spend time with her one on one. Good luck collegiettes!

Femi Tunde-Oladepo is in her final year at the University of Victoria where she is studying at the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business. After her undergrad, Femi hopes to read law and master French, Spanish and Italian. She is an active volunteer in her community and enjoys working with the Rotaract Club on campus. Having filled numerous notebooks as a child, Femi adores writing — especially short stories. She likes to dance (spontaneously), listen to all genres of music, laugh loudly and be the sassiest person in a room. In her spare time, Femi likes to window shop online, go for runs and reorganize spaces. One day, Femi hopes to perfect the art of soft pretzels. Follow her on Instagram @femzieb to see her attempts at being artsy and pensive.