A Third Wheel In Bed Can Make You Feel Like A Second Banana.
From a reader: My boyfriend of only a few weeks has expressed interest in threesomes since Day One. Its not like he comes out and says it, but its obvious he’s curious about it. I’ve expressed my dislike but I don’t want to push him away. My problem with the three-way thing is the “third wheel” phenomenon where someone almost always ends up feeling like they’re not part of the bicycle. How do I talk to my boyfriend about my concerns without scaring him off?
–Third wheel fears.
Dear Third Wheel:
Math problems tend to illuminate most relationship problems, so do a quick one for me. You’re driving a bus from London to Milford Haven in Wales. In London, 17 people get on the bus. In Reading, six people get off the bus and nine people get on. In Swindon, two people get off and four get on. In Cardiff, 11 people get off and 16 people get in. In Swansea, three people get off and five people get on. In Carmathen, six people get off and three get on. You then arrive at Milford Haven. Now what was the name of the bus driver?
Answer: Think hard.
Answer: You, you idiot.
My point, and I do have one, is that in the race to keep your man you forgot the most important person—You, you idiot. Your letter was filled with your boyfriend’s wishes but not yours. What do YOU want out of the relationship? I can tell you one thing–it ain’t a three-way. You didn’t write to ask me how you should do it. You wrote because you’re scared he’s going to kick you to the curb if you don’t allow an extra nutsack in the bedroom.
Anybody who drops three-way hints so early in the dating game is telling you he thinks monogamy is a board game by Milton Bradley. If I were you, I’d be more worried about being a second banana in the relationship than being a third wheel in bed. Do you want to open up a relationship with somebody whose last name you just learned how to spell? If your answer’s yes, go for it. If the answer’s no, break up now before you fall in love. If the answer’s maybe, tell him you want to try a four-to-six month period of being exclusive first. In case you’re confused, re-read your letter. You are SO in the “No” category.