Everything The White Lotus gets right and wrong about friendship trios.
Fabio Lovino/HBO
Have you ever been in afriendshipdynamic where you perpetually felt like the third wheel to two BFFs?
When they would mention a niche online meme or make an inside joke, you never got the reference.
Fabio Lovino/HBO
They would often reminisce about activities you seemed to have missed the invite to.
Welcome to the odd, and complex world of trio friendships.
The question on everyones mind: Are trio friendships reallythatbad?
Ahead, tips formaking your trio friendship last.
Why Are Trio Friendships So Hard?
Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD.
In early childhood development, we tend to form friendship dyads to allow for contingent interaction.
That may include making efforts to open up conversations and jokes that all members can access and contribute to.
At the same time, its okay for you all to have individual friendships, too, says Jackson.
Now,intention matters, says Jackson.
To be honest, I dont even consider those friendship trios in the first place.
One way to tell if youre the bonus friend is if your trio feels imbalanced.
In ahealthy friendship, your opinions matter and you feel emotionally safe, says Jackson.
If those things are happening then you are equally valued in that trio.
In my research, I had people share various stories of successful, committed trio friendships.
They also made some fun memories going to local pubs together.
Keep your integrity in being precise with your actions and words to each other, Romanoff advises.
Romanoff also advises learning when to be direct when aboundaryis crossed and when to let things slide.
The best tip is to attempt to assume positive intent in each other, she says.
At the same time, speak up when you feel hurt.
Jackson uses the example of her own trio friendship.
While two of them are huge fans of Beyonce, their third friend is not so much.
Always venture to be forthcoming, Jackson affirms.
Research shows that we lose half of our close web connection every seven years.
[2]Meaning,friendship breakupsare not only common, but almost inevitable.
So its best to grieve the relationship and move on to better, and stronger friendships.
