When I was in a relationship, I would bring my friends as third wheels on dates OFTEN. Now being single, I avoid the awkward third wheel experience as much as possible. Once I went out to eat with a few friends and the ride home turned in to me sitting in the back while my best friend and her boyfriend went on a Pokemon finding date. I never got in to that Pokemon trend so I sat awkwardly in the back quietly. It seems that right after I got out of my last relationship everyone I knew started to get in to them, and the opportunity for more third wheeling was on the rise.

There were often times I would ask a friend to hang out and they would either say "I can't I will be with Riley" or "Sure! Evan will come too." Like sheesh people can a girl get a break here? On the nights that I would get my girls alone, it would be me talking about my fake fantasy with the hot guy I met at a club while they talked about the fight they had last night and how So-And-So made up for it with a bouquet of roses this morning. Gag me.

I like to think I live this exciting life where I am single and free to do whatever I want and not worry about a thing. Then what happens? Fall happens. And all of that relationship stuff you were sick of twenty minutes ago gets real fricken' cute with couple pictures in apple orchards and carving each others initials in to pumpkins. Then you remember that if fall is here, winter is right around the corner which means everyone will be cuddled up close to their better half by the fire under a knit blanket sharing a cup of cider while you stuff your face with left over Halloween candy and watch The Hallmark channel alone.

Truth of the matter is, no matter how much you want to fight it, your couple-friends are cute. Way cute. And seeing your couple-friends happy makes you both happy for them yet also feeling like you're missing out on something. Being the single friend is fine, for the most part, but damn can it get lonely.

Don't get me wrong here, I have had one of the best years of my life being single and I wouldn't take back these experiences I have had for the world. But in the end, it is hard when you are surrounded by all of these cute and happy couples, you can't help but wonder when you'll be able to feel that way with someone too.

Being the single friend really isn't all that bad. When you see a cute lifeguard at the pool, you KNOW you get first dibs. You never have to check in on someone and make sure it's okay that you go out and do this or that. You can see whoever you want, talk to whoever you want, you have ALL of this freedom and independence and time to be able to find out how you can make yourself happy and feel fulfilled and NEVER depend on someone else to do that for you. It is important to know what you want and need out of life and it is even more important to know that you can do that for you independently.

So, Single Friends, be happy for your cute couple-friends. But be happy for you, too. You are strong, independent, and confident. And you will not be lonely for long. But if it comes down to it, I hear cats make great pets.