I like being single. I like the freedom I have of not having to constantly be with a partner. I like the independence of not worrying about the feelings of someone else.
Oh, and I'm afraid of commitment.
This being said, there are often times my singleness is greatly emphasized. And I hate it.
This usually happens when hanging out with my boys. And it usually doesn't bother me unless I constantly think about it like I tend to do with things. Brian and Jesse are partners, and Scott is currently dating. Right there, I have 2 couples to deal with.
I don't get into too awkward situations usually where I feel severely uncomfortable. For example, last Monday, Brian, Jesse and I went out to eat at a fancyish restaurant and then a movie. The three of us have gone out many times and we have a lot of fun. There was a time when I was a regular staple at the Nicholls-Nix household. So much so that Brian joked that I was there more often than he was. At their new house, I don't even bother knocking, I just walk right in like I live there too. (I feel I deserve it because of my hard work, sweat, and burnt arm.) (Subliminal message: I need a new iPod.)
Anyway, as I was saying, sometimes, being the 3rd (or 5th or 7th) wheel just isn't a big deal.
Unless, it's emphasized by another person.
This happened on Saturday. After a fun day at the air show with Jesse and his friend Sara, Jesse invited me, Scott, and Ken over to their house for dinner and board games. Russell and Jennie were there as well so we knew we'd have fun.
Jesse wanted to play Cranium and since teams are needed for this, it was blatantly obvious that I was the "odd man out." Jesse suggested I call Melissa to invite her so I wouldn't be left out. I told him just to take me home if it was that big of a deal to him. He protested that it wasn't and away we went.
Cutting it short, we ended up not playing Cranium but another game in which the teams were as follows:
- Russell & Jennie
- Brian & Jesse
- Scott, Ken, & Me
I did feel like the 7th wheel. And I hate it. I feel like I am the poor single friend they invited to hang out with them cause they feel sorry for them or that I'm a drag and they only hang out with out of pity.
*Suggestion* When playing games with friends, if teams are needed, don't make couples automatic teams. I know this upsets some very much (so much they get pissy and ask everyone to leave) but it's only nice and fair. I mean, why do the couples ALWAYS have to be teammates?
2 things you gotta say:
Oh, it's not your fault. And i'm not sure about us kicking ass. We played Lord of the Rings Trivial Pursuit on the behest of Brian.
I love Brian to death but he can pick the lamest movies and games sometimes. The rest of us intentionally hurried through the game so it'd be over that much sooner.
We use to play a lot of cards. We never allowed couples to be partners. The pettiness was endless. Of course, with an odd number, there would still be an odd-man out.
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