Have you ever tried breaking down friendship into roles and compare those to wheels on a bicycle? Most of us with friends who are couples definitely have, but it happens in platonic friendships as well. This can be extremely frustrating for some as it is not always clear where we fit in a group, especially since roles can fluctuate and change over time. Hence the following list:

1. Unicycle

A front wheel is normally the leader, extrovert, go-getter of the group. They plan, make decisions and create action. The front-wheel pulls everyone else in and guides them towards the end-goal whether it is food or having a good time. They could be type-A all the way or even type-B. A type-A front wheel is more of a planner whereas type-B is more spontaneous in their decision making.

3. Back Wheel

The back wheel is the follower. They agree to go on these adventures spur of the moment or pre-planned. At times the back wheel also acts as impulse control reining in the front wheel when it forgets about the fact that there are consequences to each action and not all of them may be good. Although a back wheel may be extroverted, it is highly likely that they are the less vocal member of the group unless something dangerous comes about. The back wheel could also be either type-A or type-B. A type-A back wheel would be more likely to act as impulse control whereas a type-B back wheel is likely to go with the flow.

4. Third Wheel

The third wheel is honestly completely unnecessary although it can add balance to the group. The third wheel is a follower and more of a neutral party than the back wheel as they are unlikely to actually make a decision. Third wheels could be introverted or extroverted. An introverted third wheel is more likely to just be tagging along for the ride, unlike the extroverted third wheel who is more likely to be an active participant.

5. Training Wheels

Training wheels introduce all the other wheels to each other and are quickly discarded as soon as the other wheels realize that they can function on their own and possibly even have more fun without the training wheels. Training wheels add stability and could be considered a buzz-kill at times. Although their presence is appreciated in the beginning, in most cases their value or importance doesn’t last long after initial introductions. Training wheels could be introverted or extroverted to any degree when they haven't considered training wheels they often shift into the third wheel category due to the fact that both are not necessary.

Within all groups, there are leaders and followers and we don’t always get to choose where we end up. Your position in group changes and fluctuates over time as you grow and develop as a person.

It’s also important to note that although you may be a third-wheel or training wheels in one group to others you are the front wheel leading the way; also, if you aren’t happy where you are then making a change and see where it takes you.

Perhaps you’ll uncover new interests with the opportunities that become available to you.