Fifth Wheel

I was supposed to have dinner last night (after an unbelievably hellacious week at work) with a very close friend and his girlfriend, whose wine I drink way too much, who cook me dinner constantly and if we go out, never let me pick up the tab. Basically, I love them and want to hang out with them all the time....who wouldn't with that kind of generousity? I have no problem being their third wheel. Last night, though, they invited their neighbors to join us, and I will freely admit was a bit apprehensive being the fifth wheel with strangers.

I don't mind being single and I appreciate that my coupled friends still like to include me in their social events. Being a third wheel has some distinct advantages. A lot of times, the couple in a third wheel situation, feeling guilty that there are two of them (and not wanting to split a restuarant bill or bar tab in three) will insist on treating. Last summer I went to Napa as a seventh wheel with three other couples and it was one of the best trips I have ever taken. But so many people hate having to be third, fifth, seventh wheels, etc. I don't really mind. I will admit that I would preferred that it was three couples hanging out last night versus five adults, but until that day, I will roll right along as anyone's (well, almost) third wheel and pray the free drinks keep coming.