By HAYLEE SAESEE
Staff Writer
Friendships have been challenging for me for the majority of my life. I’ve only really known companionship in groups of three. There are many situations in which three-person friendships can work, but in my opinion, trios can be tricky to navigate. Based on my personal experience, I’ve concluded that there will always be a duo, two people who are slightly closer to each other than the third. Trios can, of course, work if there is adequate communication and transparency. However, in this day and age, it seems as if people are unwilling to put in the effort. There have been several times when I’ve wondered if it was me, but now that I think about it, I realize that sometimes things don’t work out. Moving on and letting go of certain people may be the best and only decision you can make for yourself, no matter how difficult it may be. I’ve noticed some difficulties with three-person friend groups over time, and they are as follows:
- One friend will always feel excluded.
- One or more friends feel closer to one of the trio members than the other.
- The fear that they do not need you.
- Jealousy and competitiveness are rampant.
- Someone will generally feel trapped in the middle of a fight.