The website WikiHow is useful for a lot of things. Some are practical, like a nice remedy for a cold or how to rehydrate yourself after a night out. They also have some very useful information on relationships. If you're like me and don't understand how the opposite sex works, WikiHow can help. Usually I somehow end up being the third wheel. You know, that girl. The girl who has friends who are always dating someone. She chimes in all the time and says something funny, but for some unknown reason no one actually wants to date her. Well, that girl is me. But don't worry, WikiHow has a seven step process. Yes that's correct, SEVEN different steps you can take to avoid being a third (or fifth, or seventh) wheel.
Number One:
Give your friend some space.
WikiHow assumes that you are the issue from the beginning. It's not your friend, it's you. Even if you live with the person and have to see them everyday, don't. Her blossoming love needs time to really grow while your friendship wilts (a little).
Number Two:
Branch out.
Branch out... What does this mean?? I have to replace my friend?!? Am I supposed to make new friends or become a tree? WikiHow suggests you do something your friend would never want to do. They suggest joining a bowling league or a book club because when someone wants to try something new, joining a book club is the first thing that comes to mind.
Number Three:
Make one-on-one time to see your friend.
Isn't this the definition of friendship? You know, doing things like getting coffee or getting something to eat? Your friend's significant other automatically has a monopoly over their time so you HAVE to put in more effort to get time alone. Another suggestion is: Maybe your boyfriend shouldn't be so clingy.
Number Four:
Don't make things awkward.
If you're like me, everything is literally awkward all the time, so there's no way around that. But it's your friend's job to make sure things aren't awkward, not yours. If they really want to be alone, I'm pretty sure you'll know once your friend gives you a certain look.
Number Five:
Hang out with the new couple under the right circumstances.
This is probably the most obvious step out of the seven. If they say they want to see the newest Nicholas Sparks movie, they're not offering you an invitation. In fact if they want to see any movie together, I highly suggest you do not go with them (unless you bring someone of the opposite sex with you). Dark places are not meant for third wheels.
Number Six:
Use your friend's significant other to your advantage.
A.K.A he better work at Starbuck's, Chipotle or have cute friends. Cute friends are life. Cute friends are important. Cute friends go to formal with you.
Number Seven:
Think of it as a test of friendship.
How about no? If your friend puts their significant other before you on multiple occasions, they were never your friend. Chicks before... I won't even go there.
All in all, WikiHow should not be giving out advice.
