How to have fun as a third (or fifth) wheel in Charlotte
Somewhere along the way I missed the memo that said “Get into a relationship. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200.”
I’m now one of the last single people in my friend group/possibly on Earth. Because the vast majority of my pals are coupled up, I’ve learned a lot about being a third (or fifth) wheel. You might think that being the sole single friend is tragic, but when approached strategically, it’s actually totally fine.
A photo posted by Trip Od (@imnotathirdwheel) on Aug 9, 2015 at 10:12am PDT
Here’s how to make the most of the situation:
Realize that your friends’ significant others can be cool.
In my younger days, I used to view my friends’ significant others as human obstacles who were taking away my pal’s time and attention. Now I’ve realized that these people make my friends happy, so that makes me happy.
Also, when you take the time to get to know them, your friends’ significant others are actually quite lovely. Ask some questions. Tell them a funny story. Before you know it, he’s not just Ashley’s Boyfriend, he’s your friend, too.
You’re really not a charity case
I promise that your taken friends envy you sometimes. There are parts about being single that every coupled-up person misses.
These include:
– Sleeping like a starfish.
– Being able to do exactly what you want whenever you want without having to notify any other human on the planet.
– Not having to tolerate someone else’s annoying but inevitable quirks. Remember, third- or fifth-wheeling is only as awkward as you make it. Approach it like you’re hanging out with a group of guy and girl friends and that’s what it is.
Alright guys, I get it, you’re adorable…now let me try this thing! #sharingiscaring #frothylove #threesgoodcompany #tripleblessed #tresequis #tripod #wheresaldo #orangemochafrappuccino #kanye #bae #nyc #summer #wheresthechocolatesauce #bushleague #love #thirdwheel #bff #puppies #fleekweek #tripodgoals A photo posted by Trip Od (@imnotathirdwheel) on Aug 11, 2015 at 1:37pm PDT
If you head into the outing like, “Everyone else is in love and I’m going to die alone while the cats I fed and cared for my whole life eat my face,” and it’s going to get weird.
If you’re looking for the right place to tag along with a group of couples, I’ve got a few suggestions:
– A concert: Disclaimer: make sure it’s the right genre. If we’re talking Celine Dion where everyone’s going to be smoochey, maybe no.
– A Panthers/Knights/Hornets game: As long as you don’t accidentally end up on the Kiss Cam with a significant other who doesn’t belong to you, sporting events are a fun and low-key way to hang out with couples.
A photo posted by Sam Murrey (@samwell_c) on Jun 4, 2014 at 5:08pm PDT
– A brewery: Charlotte has so many great breweries to try and they all have different and unique vibes to appreciate. Plus, if the significant other really likes your friend, maybe they’ll buy you a few drinks to impress them.
– Trivia: You can all be on a team together, then wow the significant other with your knowledge on some particular subject. Instant BFFs. I’m a big fan of the trivia at Kickstand, Pizza Peel in Cotswold and Hickory Tavern in Ballantyne, and have also heard great things about trivia at Ed’s Tavern.
– 10 Park Lanes: There is nothing less romantic than bowling shoes.
But you can’t judge me ’till you walked a mile in my bowling shoes A photo posted by John Kincaid (@johnckincaid) on Jan 31, 2015 at 10:03pm PST
The one place you really don’t want to get stuck tagging along? A super dance-y bar/club where your couple pals are grinding on one another and you’re stuck trying to put your back against the wall to fend off some sweaty mouth-breather who looks like a Jonas brother but not the hot one. Trust me on that.
Photos: Gary O’Brien/Charlotte Observer; Giphy
This story was originally published September 2, 2015 at 1:29 AM with the headline "How to have fun as a third (or fifth) wheel in Charlotte."