I've been that thirdwheel for about the same amount of time. I use that time to learn from my friends' mistakes so that I don't make them when I'm dating someone.

I used to be 3rd wheel (or some odd number wheel), but we were all friends to begin with. I think it's fine in high school, since relationships are usually for fun... like going out someplace for some activity: watch a game, movies, shopping, seeing sights, etc.

I've been a third wheel before and I actually brought my little sister to be the fourth wheel with me.  Just so I wouldn't feel awkward between my twin sister and her boyfriend.  I mean, it wasn't that I chose to go.  I was forced to go by my parents.  My parents are very traditional and over protected.  They think sending out another sibling to tag along the date will prevent the couple to not do anything inappropriate with each other but do they ever come to think that it's so boring and lame to be the third wheel?  But I learn some things like.. not to be so mean towards my boyfriend/husband in the future.  lol.

I've been the odd one out on many occasions, and some of my friends have been the odd man out on occasions when I've been dating.  I've never really found it to be uncomfortable.  Most of my friends are coupled up, engaged or married, so if I want to see them then I usually am coming over as a single.  One time my friends (a couple that live together) invited me over for brunch, with another couple and a single friend of my friend, that turned into an awkward "blind date" situation.

My good friends usually make time to see me on their own.  We'll do a guys night out, or go play sports, or just go out for lunch.

I've been "third-wheel" to "chaperone" and be on the look-out.

I'm not much better off than you...I'm 16 in a few weeks and I have yet to go on a date nor have a boyfriend. HAHA. It's all good. <3 I bet you when we're settled and married, we'd be complaining and begging for the days of singledom again! :)

I been a 3rd wheel pretty much all my life...I think I learned that I really don't get couple's jokes and how to pretend to be comfortable even if I am feeling restless.

As a longtime third wheel, I know how you feel. It sucks to be the "other" or chaperone on an outing. But this is also one of the best times for you to take notes--which are the kinds of people to avoid, how can you detect a cheater/beater, etc. I honestly think that way too many people place emphasis on having a girlfriend/boyfriend, when the focus should be on the RIGHT relationship. Also, being friends is good. You have a network of people for all times and purposes.

I had never had a boyfriend all throughout high school and college--23 years. Last year, my fifth year in college, I met a grad student in my dept. He and I got to talking over a few months...and the rest is history. I spent those 23 years learning how to talk to men and be comfortable with them. Then, when I met my boyfriend, I could actually be comfortable with him. We have a lot in common and amazing chemistry. I don't regret anything.

Remember: you may be single now, but spend your time wisely, and when you meet someone who's right for you, it will all have been worth it.

I dislike being the third wheel. And while I think it's important for your SO and friends to get to know each other a little to create a better environment, there's nothing more uncomfortable then being with a couple in the first stages of love.

yup, I have def been a third wheel.  My boyfriend and I pretty much have the same group of friends.  They have told us at first they were reluctant to hang out with us because they were afraid that they would feel like a third wheel.  They told us afterward that they didn't feel like a third wheel with us.- Which makes me feel good because they can be comfortable around us.  -I never wanted to make them feel like a third wheel.  We don't show too much affection towards each other when people are around.  But an occasional kiss or something.  -We have been dating for over a year now and my friends were excited when THEY saw us kiss for the first time.

-They were afraid something was wrong with our relationship because we made an effort to make them feel comfortable too.

Being a third wheel makes you feel lonely at times, but I can usually pull through. Only issue is when your friends are literally getting hot and heavy RIGHT NEXT TO YOU on the couch or in the bed in the same room under the covers. What I've learned from that particular situation: If your friend and her boyfriend look like they're getting really into it, just politely excuse yourself. It doesnt mean you're intolerant, its the polite thing to do. Upon doing that, your friend should do the polite thing and apologize (hopefully, not all will), and tell you not to leave xD

that was me last night when my sister and her bf were cuddling on the same bed.

I didn't mind being the third wheel AS LONG AS I didn't feel like a third wheel. With some couples, I felt like I was simply hanging out with two friends. But the couples I stopped hanging out with were the ones who kept sharing private jokes I didn't understand, talking about people I didn't know, AND would show excessive PDA at the dinner table.

At a certain point, sometimes you might feel as if you're intruding on their dinner, even if they have invited you to join them. At which point you should also just excuse yourself with good graces--you're better off eating alone then with them XD

lol, i feel like every always-been-single person who writes a datingish post acts like they're the only ones who are like that.  obviously there's a pretty big population of such people.

i avoid being a 3rd wheel by not agreeing (well, rarely agreeing) to go along with couples anywhere.  but that being said, my friends have generally always been swingin' bachelors like myself.  i don't have the patience to deal with people and their relationship problems and commitments.