Confessions Of A Third-Wheeler

So, apparently I have third-wheel syndrome.

A lot of people I know happen to be in a romantic relationship, which is totally fine, except I'm usually the one who ends up hanging out with them. There's nothing more awkward than watching two people make out passionately in front of you, totally ignoring the fact that you're in the general vicinity. I think being in love makes people utterly unaware of their surroundings--and their extra company.

Hanging out with my friend and their significant other tend to get super awkward when they start kissing every five seconds and fall deep into their own world of conversation that has no room for me in it. They usually walk a few paces ahead or behind and I just end up with my eyes glued to my phone, desperately texting everyone on my contact list -- even the people I don't really talk to. It's like sending out an S.O.S to anyone who can save me.

Don't get me wrong. I'm all for love and anyone who finds it. More power to you! I'm just a very observant, and hyper-aware person. I pay attention to everything around me, and when I'm stuck in awkward situations, I become very uncomfortable and sometimes forget how to breathe. True story.

I've been trying to avoid the third-wheeler environments, but I don't want to seem rude or inconsiderate, so I think the only way to survive is to never go alone. And yes--going as a third wheel basically means you're alone, because the two love birds in front of you probably don't even remember your existence. So bring a friend, a book, an objective (like maybe you'll slip away and go buy that cool top you saw the other day), or maybe a knife...so you can cut your eyeballs out and spend the rest of the day in the hospital. It might get their attention.

Whichever works.