Last week I went to a work colleague’s wedding reception. He’d invited a few others from our team to come along.  Being a team of ladies, I thought it might be a girl’s night out. And that’s how I billed it in my head. But in the days leading up to the wedding it began to dawn on me that each of my colleagues was bringing their other halves to the do. Of course it makes perfect sense to bring your other half along to a wedding.  But for some reason, it still made me feel a bit sad and out of place. I would be an odd wheel again.

I have been a 3rd, 5th, 7th and even 9th wheel, and they all can feel a little uncomfortable. Being a 3rd is the worst, not least because there is nowhere to hide when the couple wants to give you dating advice or no one else to talk when they suddenly start staring lovingly into each other eyes. You have to physically stop yourself from throwing a shoe at them! Then, when the evening ends, they go off holding hands, and you put your game face on and try to make it home alive. It’s Call of Duty: Single Lady Ops!

Once, I was a 7th wheel and a strange phenomenon came over the group and suddenly all three couples began making out at the same time. I swear it was a full moon or something.

Getting ready for the wedding, I suddenly began to feel the weight of being single for virtually all my adult life. It would be nice, to make it far enough with someone to actually want to bring them to a social event. But even as I felt this I had to shrug and pat myself on the back. I am a bloody fantastic odd wheel!  I chat to everyone; I buy rounds and try to make sure I have a good time too.  

It helps to have a few tricks up my sleeve like knowing when to look away, give space or leave. You can develop a sixth sense for when couples are going to start making out or even bickering.  If there is no one else to talk to, I suggest becoming interested in your phone or a curtain or a dog shit. At least you think it was a done a by a dog, but you can never really tell can you? Maybe it’s a dog that doesn’t get much fibre. Hmmm. 

I went to a party with a bickering couple once and spent most of the night on the other side of the room, making friends. #Survivalskills #Idon’tknowthosepeople

And why not come prepared to regale your friends with tales of your debauched single life? If you have no tales, make it up; the more ridiculous the better.

Finally, I would urge all Odd Wheels of The World to pat themselves on the back!  You’re alright!

Yes being single can be scary and even lonely but it has taught me some valuable things about myself. I still have massive wobbles about it but I am okay with myself most days. If you are like me and open to being in a relationship then let’s be brave, let go of the past and take a step forward.

 I have recently reactivated my dating apps. Lord have mercy on my single soul!

Oh and I had a fantastic time at the wedding! J