You’re among friends, but somehow alone. As the only single person in your circle of friends, you may not have a significant other, but that doesn’t put you at a disadvantage. Tips for singles with a couple allergy.

KA compromise, but more space in bed. Being single is great. At least in theory. Because single life also has its pitfalls, which only become apparent when you’re alone among couples. As the only single person in your circle of friends, you suddenly become an oddball.

If you were riding in a tandem yesterday, today you’re considered a lone knight. As the fifth wheel, you’re still allowed to play in the couples’ clique, but by different rules.

But steadfast singles won’t let themselves be defeated any longer. After all, attack is the best defense. So go ahead and go to weddings alone , participate in game nights, and be the only single in your circle of friends invited to cozy couples’ evenings. Because from now on, you’ll keep a cool head amidst the love chatter.

Weddings: Couples, couples, couples

Are weddings a nightmare for singles? No! Because singles have one major advantage over rose-tinted wedding guests: They see clearly and aren’t blinded by white doves and veils. Singles are realists. And ideally, they’re friends with the bride. Because then they know the enormous amount of directing effort that goes into creating this seemingly perfect wedding show.

Nevertheless, it’s the happiest day of your friends’ lives. Nobody wants to see cynics or offended idiots on a day like this. And you have no reason to. After all, if the sky is full of violins, you should be allowed to play them. Surely there are fellow sufferers who aren’t averse to a romantic flirtation . And the backdrop for languishing glances couldn’t be better.

Couples night: Do singles have to stay outside?

As the only single person in your circle of friends, game nights or cooking classes with couples can be a real spoilsport. But as a tough single person, you can definitely give it a try and join in. Even if it’s just to put on a good face. Stay in touch with your friends instead of emphasizing your supposedly special status as the only single person in your circle by distancing yourself.

Try to embrace it and suppress the gag reflex that pet names like “bunny” or “little bear” trigger. Skip the endless loop of sappy “we” sentences and instead breathe some fresh air into boring couples get-togethers. How about, for example, mixing up the teams at a game night? A partner swap, the youth-friendly kind!

However, if sudden jealousy should spoil the cozy couples’ evening mood, you, as the only single in your circle of friends, politely overlook it. Being a couple also has its pitfalls. You probably remember that.

Singles party better!

Especially when it comes to partying, singles are better off than many people assume. Because as the only single person in your circle of friends, you’re also the only one allowed to really party, with all the trimmings. Flirting, dancing, drinking, and kissing—why not? And your friends? Well, one of you probably still has to drive, and another one has to leave the party early; after all, your in-laws are coming over tomorrow. But that shouldn’t bother you.

You’re celebrating your freedom. And you’re celebrating it! But be careful: Exuberant dancing with your friend’s tipsy partner or overly provocative outfits aren’t welcome. As the only single person in your circle of friends, you may no longer be tied to a partner, but you are bound by your clique’s rules of etiquette.

Disinvited: Game nights & Co.

As the only single person in your circle of friends, you’re sometimes faced with the question of what’s worse: being invited to a couples’ get-together or not being asked at all. Considering your new relationship status as a “lonely cowboy” can be as helpful as a punch in the gut.

What can you do about it? Take a deep breath and think about it. Why do your friends suddenly not want you around anymore, now that you’re single? It’s definitely not because they don’t like you anymore! Perhaps your friends don’t want to bother you with their newly infatuated togetherness?

Some couples, however, also perceive singles as a threat. Being the only single person in your circle of friends not only highlights the finite nature of relationships, but may also demonstrate to other couples how wonderful life alone can be. Such signals can sometimes destabilize unstable relationships .

Maybe you could just tell your friends that you would like to continue to attend meetings together. 

Matchmaking: Tutoring in matters of love

As the only single person in your circle of friends, you’re quickly considered fair game for well-intentioned matchmaking. Why? Don’t worry: It’s not because you seem needy, but because couples simply like to be surrounded by other couples.

Couples who are friends aren’t just interested in getting you married, but also in themselves. As the only single person in your circle of friends, you should tactfully forgive your couple friends for this, too.

Anyone who wants to can play along. A date —perhaps even with your friends—can be fun. But it doesn’t have to be. In the latter case, your tact is again called for. Politely but firmly make it clear to your friends that you have no interest in the person being introduced or in such situations at all. Don’t raise false hopes. Neither in the matchmaking date nor in your friends.

But be careful not to offend your friends. They mean well, after all. And somehow you might think that your single life is bothering them more than it is you.