"Oh, and by the way, is it alright if he comes too?"
If you're constantly third-wheeling with your best friend and her significant other, you know this phrase all too well. Along with other phrases like, "Will you scoot over so he can sit beside me," "Well he doesn't really like Chinese so can we go to Mexican instead," and, "I guess you can come too, but I thought it would just be me and him."
What used to be a duo has now turned into a trio, and there are a lot of things that you have to accept if you want to maintain your friendship.
1. You won't get as much alone time with your best friend as you used to.
Your best friend is going to want her boyfriend around, especially during the "honeymoon phase," when they're "so in love" that they can't bear to be apart. Every once in a while, you'll get that alone time that you're craving, but now you have to share. So, as a general rule, you'll have fewer opportunities to see her, and, on the rare occasions that you do, he'll probably be tagging along.
2. You'll have to fight for her attention.
When you tag along on her dates, she'll spend a lot of her time acting all lovey-dovey and staring into his eyes. When you're alone with her, she'll spend a lot of time Snapchatting and texting him, because she just can't go without. Don't feel too alone. She still loves you.
3. You'll have to deal with PDA.
Just close your eyes and pretend it isn't happening. Or walk away. It's better that way.
4. You're the designated photographer.
You used to struggle every time you went out because you always needed someone to take pics of you and your friend. Now, you don't have that problem, because her boyfriend will snap one for you. But then it's your turn to snap twenty or so pictures of them, so she can find the perfect one to post online. And don't forget to take cute candids so she can use them in a collage!
5. You'll always end up walking behind them.
Sidewalks seem to be designed for two people. The third person always falls behind. And that third person is you.
6. You'll occasionally end up on "double dates."
This is when your best friend's boyfriend feels bad that you're always left out so he brings a friend of his for you to hang out with. This is a nice gesture, but his friend is usually not your type and/or weird as can be. Not fun at all.
7. You get caught in the middle of their arguments.
You're with them all the time, which means you get to know about every time that "he's being rude" or "she won't stop nagging." Most of the time, you're asked to mediate, which can result in one or both of them getting mad at you for taking sides. So, stay out of it if you can. Better safe than sorry.
8. Car rides can get a little awkward.
Either you're in the front, chauffeuring them around, sitting in the back by yourself, or pressed up against them while they make out and someone else drives. Either way, it's not fun for you.
9. You're always left out of inside jokes and memories.
"Oh my gosh! Remember that one time when we did that thing and it was soooo funny!?" "No, I don't remember because that happened when you two hung out without me."
Being a third wheel can suck, but seeing your friend happy is worth it. So, accept the fact that you'll be left out sometimes and make sure to annoy them as much as you can when you're together. You'll get through this.
