End of the Third Wheel

Messerve

Well-Known Member
Sep 30, 2018
1,381
1,064
hjkhjkh
✟25,910.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Private
So, I'm probably just very slow to learn things... But today I was feeling lonely about being single again. My best friend spent the day with his wife and baby and the neighbor and his wife were gone all day too. The thought occurred to me that they might have all been spending the day together, since my friend and the husband next door work together. And it makes sense, because they're all on the same page for the most part.

Then I thought about myself and how I'm still single and began to wonder why my married friend even asks me to hang out still, now that this other couple has moved into the area. And I began to think, that's probably why I was just sitting around home all day whereas they were all gone all day...

Sometimes I'm tempted to just tell my friend "You know what? Don't feel obligated to do things with me anymore. I know we're not on the same page any longer and you have this nice couple who is. So just forget about me and move on with life." But I don't dare say that because he very well might just agree to it, which isn't really what I want.

I sometimes hear about marriage and having children as being the "great equalizer". Well, for those of us who are left behind, it's the exact opposite. Suddenly someone you could share everything with and relate with has changed forever and has all kinds of experiences you know nothing about. There's still common ground, but until you get married or have children you will always be the odd third person and very possibly not the first choice for doing fun things together.

There is no such thing as a "great equalizer" on earth. The Church included. The great equalization will only happen when we are all in Heaven and there is no longer relational separations caused by marriages or new children.

As a kid I used to think it was very harsh of God to remove the marital status of believers in Heaven. I didn't like to think of my mom and dad just being friends... But now I actually see it as one more reason to look forward to Heaven - when friendships can go on uninterrupted and there will no longer be a such a thing as a "third wheel".

I should have probably realized this a long time ago, but then being single didn't ever bother me until I started noticing more gray hairs...:sigh:^_^
 
  • Winner
Reactions: Yennora

bèlla

❤️
Supporter
Jan 16, 2019
20,479
17,633
USA
✟933,004.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
In Relationship
There was a time when I had many married friends. But one day I realized we had little in common. We were in different seasons of life. I needed to be in the company of others like myself.

So I sought entrepreneurs, nomadic travelers, and others who shared my interests. It wasn’t wholly related to singleness but a desire to be with others living out their passions fully. That’s made a world of difference.

Our conversations are uplifting and inspirational. You have challenges but they aren’t the central topic. Because life is full and abundant. You don’t have time to focus on what’s lacking because you’re milking every minute of it.

There’s a notion of finding your people or finding your tribe and I think its true.
 
Upvote 0

devin553344

I believe in the Resurrection
Nov 10, 2015
3,607
2,249
Unkown
✟93,810.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
Politics
US-Republican
So, I'm probably just very slow to learn things... But today I was feeling lonely about being single again. My best friend spent the day with his wife and baby and the neighbor and his wife were gone all day too. The thought occurred to me that they might have all been spending the day together, since my friend and the husband next door work together. And it makes sense, because they're all on the same page for the most part.

Then I thought about myself and how I'm still single and began to wonder why my married friend even asks me to hang out still, now that this other couple has moved into the area. And I began to think, that's probably why I was just sitting around home all day whereas they were all gone all day...

Sometimes I'm tempted to just tell my friend "You know what? Don't feel obligated to do things with me anymore. I know we're not on the same page any longer and you have this nice couple who is. So just forget about me and move on with life." But I don't dare say that because he very well might just agree to it, which isn't really what I want.

I sometimes hear about marriage and having children as being the "great equalizer". Well, for those of us who are left behind, it's the exact opposite. Suddenly someone you could share everything with and relate with has changed forever and has all kinds of experiences you know nothing about. There's still common ground, but until you get married or have children you will always be the odd third person and very possibly not the first choice for doing fun things together.

There is no such thing as a "great equalizer" on earth. The Church included. The great equalization will only happen when we are all in Heaven and there is no longer relational separations caused by marriages or new children.

As a kid I used to think it was very harsh of God to remove the marital status of believers in Heaven. I didn't like to think of my mom and dad just being friends... But now I actually see it as one more reason to look forward to Heaven - when friendships can go on uninterrupted and there will no longer be a such a thing as a "third wheel".

I should have probably realized this a long time ago, but then being single didn't ever bother me until I started noticing more gray hairs...:sigh:^_^

I tried out marriage for 8 years, and after the pain of the divorce, I'll probably just remain single now. Sure marriage is great but it's also risky too. I also don't believe in marriage in heaven. I see us being like the angels and serving God all on common ground.

BTW I wouldn't tell you friend to move on, you might hurt their feelings. I have a friend who's married and he still talks to me. And he also needs friends outside of the marriage. People go crazy in marriage without friends.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: anna ~ grace
Upvote 0

S.O.J.I.A.

Dynamic UNO
Nov 6, 2016
4,280
2,641
Michigan
✟98,714.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian Seeker
Marital Status
Single
So I sought entrepreneurs, nomadic travelers, and others who shared my interests. It wasn’t wholly related to singleness but a desire to be with others living out their passions fully. That’s made a world of difference.
You saught out people who were living life and didn't need a spouse to do it.

Excellent idea!
 
  • Friendly
Reactions: bèlla
Upvote 0

bèlla

❤️
Supporter
Jan 16, 2019
20,479
17,633
USA
✟933,004.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
In Relationship
You saught out people who were living life and didn't need a spouse to do it.

Excellent idea!

Thank you. There are single and married people living amazing lives. You have to get outside of comfort zone to find them.

But you already know that. ;-)
 
Upvote 0

S.O.J.I.A.

Dynamic UNO
Nov 6, 2016
4,280
2,641
Michigan
✟98,714.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian Seeker
Marital Status
Single
Thank you. There are single and married people living amazing lives. You have to get outside of comfort zone to find them.

But you already know that. ;-)
One can exist in the comfort zone, but can only truly live outside of it.
 
Upvote 0

bèlla

❤️
Supporter
Jan 16, 2019
20,479
17,633
USA
✟933,004.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
In Relationship
One can exist in the comfort zone, but can only truly live outside of it.

That’s true. The more I stretch the happier I become. There’s so much to do, see and learn. I don’t want to miss out.
 
  • Optimistic
Reactions: S.O.J.I.A.
Upvote 0

kittysbecute

Pokémon Master
Jun 3, 2007
9,432
3,343
Somewhere over the rainbow, where skies are blue
Visit site
✟159,149.00
Country
United States
Faith
Protestant
Marital Status
In Relationship
Politics
US-Republican
I enjoy having my married friends and my singles friends. I am thankful for them.
When my married friends hung out with other married couples I was happy for them to have that fellowship. I guess it helps that I learned at a young age to be supportive and happy for my friends other friendships, even when I didn't share those same friendships. So, it’s easy to let go of that. Knowing our friendship will still be there regardless.
Some friends fade over time for different reasons, but don’t give up your friendships you value just because they have other friendships.
Anyways, just my opinion.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Miles
Upvote 0

Messerve

Well-Known Member
Sep 30, 2018
1,381
1,064
hjkhjkh
✟25,910.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Private
I tried out marriage for 8 years, and after the pain of the divorce, I'll probably just remain single now. Sure marriage is great but it's also risky too. I also don't believe in marriage in heaven. I see us being like the angels and serving God all on common ground.

BTW I wouldn't tell you friend to move on, you might hurt their feelings. I have a friend who's married and he still talks to me. And he also needs friends outside of the marriage. People go crazy in marriage without friends.
I don't want to give up the friendship. It really means a lot to me, and even more in a way because he still wants to spend time with me once in awhile despite having a family and plenty of married friends.

Yet, maybe it's just me, but sometimes it feels like an elephant in the room that no one talks about. My friend does things like playing a song where the guy is singing "I need a girl, I need a girl..." And then my friend says "That's a good song." I'm pretty sure I'm supposed to take those things as a hint. ^_^

To push the elephant out of the room a little, I try to keep my friend up to date about my latest weak, failed attempt at finding a girl. But I have also told him that I didn't think being single was really so bad either. AND, what really helps is that he was single himself for a long time until now so I think he kind of gets it, too.

Nonetheless, there are still days like yesterday when, as my childless sister put it, it's like I'm watching a great celebration through a window but not invited to come inside...
 
Upvote 0

Messerve

Well-Known Member
Sep 30, 2018
1,381
1,064
hjkhjkh
✟25,910.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Private
That’s true. The more I stretch the happier I become. There’s so much to do, see and learn. I don’t want to miss out.
I can agree with these sentiments completely. Yet, because I treasure my friends, married or not, I fear that pursuing everything I want and only spending time with likeminded people will come at the cost of those treasured relationships.

I could be wrong, though... I recently flew across the country without telling any of my friends. And when I shared photos of my trip afterwards, they all seemed happy for me and even seemed to want to spend time with me more.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

devin553344

I believe in the Resurrection
Nov 10, 2015
3,607
2,249
Unkown
✟93,810.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
Politics
US-Republican
I don't want to give up the friendship. It really means a lot to me, and even more in a way because he still wants to spend time with me once in awhile despite having a family and plenty of married friends.

Yet, maybe it's just me, but sometimes it feels like an elephant in the room that no one talks about. My friend does things like playing a song where the guy is singing "I need a girl, I need a girl..." And then my friend says "That's a good song." I'm pretty sure I'm supposed to take those things as a hint. ^_^

To push the elephant out of the room a little, I try to keep my friend up to date about my latest weak, failed attempt at finding a girl. But I have also told him that I didn't think being single was really so bad either. AND, what really helps is that he was single himself for a long time until now so I think he kind of gets it, too.

Nonetheless, there are still days like yesterday when, as my childless sister put it, it's like I'm watching a great celebration through a window but not invited to come inside...

My Father does that to me, but I can't de-friend him since he's my Dad. I don't think he understands that I just don't want the complication of relationships right now.

I kinda understand what your saying about watching the great celebration and not being invited since I'm partially disabled and see non-disabled people in a different light.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Messerve
Upvote 0

Messerve

Well-Known Member
Sep 30, 2018
1,381
1,064
hjkhjkh
✟25,910.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Private
I enjoy having my married friends and my singles friends. I am thankful for them.
When my married friends hung out with other married couples I was happy for them to have that fellowship. I guess it helps that I learned at a young age to be supportive and happy for my friends other friendships, even when I didn't share those same friendships. So, it’s easy to let go of that. Knowing our friendship will still be there regardless.
Some friends fade over time for different reasons, but don’t give up your friendships you value just because they have other friendships.
Anyways, just my opinion.
Yeah, I try to keep myself in check and make sure I don't become jealous. Because, really, I'm very happy for my friend. I'm sure his parents thought he'd never have a wife or kid because it took so long for him to settle down. And I'm happy he has other couples and married guys with whom he can now have some comraderie (my preferred spelling).

But I've never had many friends to begin with. And I always wanted an older brother (I was the oldest, so that didn't work out really!). And that's basically what he became to me, so I hold onto that special relationship very tightly sometimes. I always have to remind myself to open up my hand and let God do what He wills in His much greater wisdom. He has been faithful up to now preserving this friendship in really amazing ways, so I need to just let my fears go and let Him work.
 
  • Friendly
Reactions: kittysbecute
Upvote 0

bèlla

❤️
Supporter
Jan 16, 2019
20,479
17,633
USA
✟933,004.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
In Relationship
I can agree with these sentiments completely. Yet, because I treasure my friends, married or not, I fear that pursuing everything I want and only spending time with likeminded people will come at the cost of those treasured relationships.

It’s a matter of personal preference. :)

I enjoy the company of people whose lifestyle and interests complement my own. Whether that pertains to business, travel, hobbies, or mutual goals. Having people in my inner circle who speak my language and are genuinely supportive means a lot. I don’t want to be the lone one doing this or that. I value the ability to share those experiences with others and celebrate theirs in turn.
 
Upvote 0

Messerve

Well-Known Member
Sep 30, 2018
1,381
1,064
hjkhjkh
✟25,910.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Private
It’s a matter of personal preference. :)

I enjoy the company of people whose lifestyle and interests complement my own. Whether that pertains to business, travel, hobbies, or mutual goals. Having people in my inner circle who speak my language and are genuinely supportive means a lot. I don’t want to be the lone one doing this or that. I value the ability to share those experiences with others and celebrate theirs in turn.
Yeah I totally understand. It's exhilarating to be around like minded people with similar goals. Actually, despite our marital situations, my friend and I are very like minded and I love spending time with him because, unlike virtually everyone I work with and many family members, we just "get" each other. We laugh at each other's jokes and have visited the same foreign countries even. Sometimes I feel awkward because when I'm with he and his wife, I'm always laughing at his jokes and his wife is just annoyed and rolling her eyes the whole time. ^_^ And we do support each other a lot. I do wish I could share my passion for writing music, which he doesn't do, but he did ask me to play for him one time.
 
Upvote 0

bèlla

❤️
Supporter
Jan 16, 2019
20,479
17,633
USA
✟933,004.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
In Relationship
Yeah I totally understand. It's exhilarating to be around like minded people with similar goals.

I’m a young empty nester. That has its challenges. ;-)

I read a book a couple of years ago. There was a nugget that addressed the importance of intentional connections. The author noted the unlikelihood you’d find everything in one person. I made a list of the qualities I desired and started praying.

Some of it was spiritual, practical, or business-related. Once the list was done it was clear what I lacked. It was an important exercise. I began to look at opportunities to foster new relationships differently.

The circles enabled me to dive deep on subjects where everyone is equally passionate about learning and sharing what we know. Being on one accord is really important to me. I’m not expecting or offended when someone doesn’t share an interest. I can link up with others who do.

There’s a shared ethos and spirit that’s common throughout. These are the people I can invite to a dinner party I’m hosting. Or enjoy a weekend getaway in each other’s company. And help one another in our business ventures. Its true intimacy without reserve. That’s what I needed most.

I do wish I could share my passion for writing music, which he doesn't do, but he did ask me to play for him one time.

Are you connected with other songwriters?
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Messerve

Well-Known Member
Sep 30, 2018
1,381
1,064
hjkhjkh
✟25,910.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Private
I’m a young empty nester. That has its challenges. ;-)

I read a book a couple of years ago. There was a nugget that addressed the importance of intentional connections. The author noted the unlikelihood you’d find everything in one person. I made a list of the qualities I desired and started praying.

Some of it was spiritual, practical, or business-related. Once the list was done it was clear what I lacked. It was an important exercise. I began to look at opportunities to foster new relationships differently.

The circles enabled me to dive deep on subjects where everyone is equally passionate about learning and sharing what we know. Being on one accord is really important to me. I’m not expecting or offended when someone doesn’t share an interest. I can link up with others who do.

There’s a shared ethos and spirit that’s common throughout. These are the people I can invite to a dinner party I’m hosting. Or enjoy a weekend getaway in each other’s company. And help one another in our business ventures. Its true intimacy without reserve. That’s what I needed most.



Are you connected with other songwriters?
I made a list of the qualities I'd want in a wife one time - talents, personality, sense of humor, etc. Then I read it all and realized I had basically described myself... That was the moment I realized maybe I was destined to be single the rest of my life. :scratch:

I'm an introvert, so creating a circle of friends is like something from a fairytale. I don't think I'd even want that many people to know me intimately. It would be so emotionally exhausting. I used to feel physically sick if a friend asked me a lot of questions about my personal life. I'm better about that now, anyway.

I have attempted to connect with other songwriters, but I struggle to start at the beginning. Like, I literally just go to some big name artists and try to strike up a conversation through social media, which of course goes nowhere. But I'm always hoping maybe for some reason they'll respond to me.

Also, so many songwriters are kind of selfish, to be honest. They don't mind talking to you about their music, but actually collaborating with you or anything? They only do that if they plan on selling the song and taking all the credit for it. Happened to my brother... :|
 
  • Like
Reactions: Single Life
Upvote 0

bèlla

❤️
Supporter
Jan 16, 2019
20,479
17,633
USA
✟933,004.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
In Relationship
Then I read it all and realized I had basically described myself...

LOL. I once met someone like me. He loved fashion too. I had him take the Enneagram test. We had the same result. I’m hoping for that!

I don't think I'd even want that many people to know me intimately. It would be so emotionally exhausting.

I understand. I’m an extrovert but daily contact would be too much. I start feeling like a therapist.

Like, I literally just go to some big name artists and try to strike up a conversation through social media, which of course goes nowhere. But I'm always hoping maybe for some reason they'll respond to me.

Most have someone who manages their social media. That approach can be challenging.

Also, so many songwriters are kind of selfish, to be honest. They don't mind talking to you about their music, but actually collaborating with you or anything? They only do that if they plan on selling the song and taking all the credit for it. Happened to my brother... :|

Oftentimes you have spend money to connect with serious people in your niche through memberships, subscriptions or private groups. A mastermind works well too.

One of my groups is really generous. We share and help one another.out. The course fee is steep but worth the investment.

Have you tried connecting with Christian songwriters? Maybe you should start a thread on the site.
 
Upvote 0

Messerve

Well-Known Member
Sep 30, 2018
1,381
1,064
hjkhjkh
✟25,910.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Private
LOL. I once met someone like me. He loved fashion too. I had him take the Enneagram test. We had the same result. I’m hoping for that!



I understand. I’m an extrovert but daily contact would be too much. I start feeling like a therapist.



Most have someone who manages their social media. That approach can be challenging.



Oftentimes you have spend money to connect with serious people in your niche through memberships, subscriptions or private groups. A mastermind works well too.

One of my groups is really generous. We share and help one another.out. The course fee is steep but worth the investment.

Have you tried connecting with Christian songwriters? Maybe you should start a thread on the site.
I'm pretty sure we're not supposed to promote our own music on this site... Some do anyway. I shared the lyrics and link of one awhile ago, but that's all so far. If anyone is interested, I can always send a link through PM.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

bèlla

❤️
Supporter
Jan 16, 2019
20,479
17,633
USA
✟933,004.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
In Relationship
I'm pretty sure we're not supposed to promote our own music on this site... Some do anyway. I shared the lyrics and link of one awhile ago, but that's all so far. If anyone is interested, I can always send a link through PM.

No, I meant a thread to connect with other songwriters. There’s probably others on the site. :)
 
Upvote 0