The Honest Truth of What It’s Like Living in A World of Couples Getting Engaged Left and Right

Another holiday season has come and gone, and like clockwork, Instagram ring photos are popping up like daffodils will do once we’re out of this arctic freeze of winter. Best friends, college acquaintances, and even a few people from high school you never thought would even move out of their parent’s basements let alone get married are toting rings.

Living in a world when you’re at “that age” where everyone around you seems to be getting engaged can be fun and exciting, but also a tad disappointing if you’re without a lovebird on the horizon, let alone by your side.

To get you through the ups and downs of engagement season without your own ring, you can still celebrate big time with your friends who are now using the phrase “my fiance” like it’s going out of style.

Don’t Panic: Third-Wheel Status is Fine

A year or two ago, everyone was still cool with going out in big groups, even if they were all dating someone. Now, it’s like everyone’s branched off in Noah’s Arc fashion, pairing two by two, and you’re left standing with an empty space beside you. Being the third wheel has a lot of negative connotations that come with it, but truth be told, it’s not a bad situation to be in!
If your friend invites you out to dinner with her fiance, you should take them up on it. Couples actually LIKE going out with other people, even if it’s just one other person. This isn’t an open invitation for you to weasel your way into every outing they go on, but if they extend the invitation, it’s a given you are welcome and your company would be greatly enjoyed. You never know – you may stumble upon your own future fiance while you’re out and about!

Work Those Brain Cells: Idea Storm of the Century

If your close friend is now engaged, get ready to don your thinking cap. Not only will you have to brainstorm for the wedding, but you’ll also have to think about the bridal shower and engagement party, too.

Creating a one-of-a-kind shower or party for your friend will be fun! Make sure you offer ideas, but don’t become demanding. Planning even the items leading up to the wedding can be stressful for a couple, so make sure you’re supportive without breathing down their necks all of the time trying to pry into their plans.

Bring on the Bash: Wedding Planning 101

Even though it might not be your own wedding you’re planning, take this as a learning curve: you’re able to see what to do and not do for your wedding when it comes along!

Hearing that your friend or near relative is engaged usually triggers some excitement, but you might also be really, really hoping they have a fun wedding.

Gone are the days of boring and traditional-styled weddings, so make sure if you have a say in how the day is spent that you make it an exciting one you and all the other guests can enjoy! Depending on where they have their wedding reception, you might even forget that you’re the only single person you know at the wedding. Banquet halls and casinos offer a variety of wedding services right under one roof. Even if you’re a guest, you can enjoy the spa, the entertainment, and hit the bar and club while you stay right on site.

Knowing the awesomeness that will ensue at this wedding will have you ticking off the days until the big day even if it’s not your own!

Practice Perspective: Realize the Big Picture

While marriage is definitely a fun and exciting time in someone’s life, it only means as much as it does because you’ve found a person you literally want to spend the rest of your life with. The wedding is a one-day party that should be meaningful and fun, the true test are all the days that come AFTER the big event. If you haven’t found that special person yet, it’s not the end of the world.

There are so many other important things, like friends and family, everyday adventures, furthering your career and knowledge, and so many more things that are also just as important – if not more so – than a wedding. So when you’re pouting over a jar of Nutella as you drown yourself in Facebook engagement announcements, try to gain the perspective that there’s a bit more to life than a diamond and an “I do.”

And when all else fails, put down your phone and stop obsessing over other people’s news-feeds and ring shots. You’re not going to meet that fish in the sea staring at your phone and wallowing in self-pity!

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