If your best friend is in a romantic relationship, it may be hard to see them as much as you would like. Plus, when you do see them, they will likely be with their partner. If you feel like you could use a little one-on-one time, talk to your friend and set up a time to hang out, just the two of you. Try setting up a coffee or lunch date in advance, this will make it easier for both of you to commit to it. If you find that you are spending a lot of time with a couple, get to know your friend’s partner. You may find that you really enjoy their company as well. At the least, getting to know your friend’s partner will help you feel more comfortable around them and make spending time with them a little more enjoyable. If appropriate, try hanging out with just your friend’s partner. You might develop a friendship on your own. Your friend’s relationship might be a great time to do your own thing. Instead of doing things with your friend and their partner, do stuff on your own. Indulge some of your hobbies or try out new things.  Take some classes on your own, like cooking or karate. If you feel emotionally comfortable with the concept, you could also try online dating. The easiest way to handle being a third wheel is to spend less time with the couple. You do not need to do everything with your friend and their partner, and they would probably appreciate a little more space. Try to call or text them less, and be less insistent about hanging out. Put the ball in your friend’s court and let them initiate friend time.  This is particularly important early on when your friend is figuring out the new dynamics of their relationship. Give them some space and let them get their bearings. If the couple tries to include you more than you want, politely decline. You don't have to accept every invitation they extend, but you should also not be rude enough that you damage your friendships when you turn down an invite. Let your friend know that you are there for them and that you have their best interests at heart. This will help strengthen your friendship and make things less awkward when you hang out with the couple. Jealousy may rear its ugly head but, if you are a good friend, you will tamp it down. However, this does not mean that you should turn a blind eye to bad behavior. If your friend’s partner is bad news, let them know about it. One easy way to deal with being a third wheel is to quit being one. Look at your friend’s relationship as an opportunity to find romance. Try dating around a little and see what happens. You might go from being a third wheel to going on double dates.  If you are not looking for a romantic relationship, try developing some of your other friendships or get to know some acquaintances. Your friend’s partner might even be able to set you up with someone.

Summary: Arrange times to hang out with your friend. Get to know your friend’s partner. Be more independent. Give the couple space. Be supportive. Find your own partner.


if you want to create pretty shapes. This is an easy way to make your cookies look perfect and professional. Fill the cookie press with dough and tighten the lid. Use the lever to squeeze the batter onto a greased baking tray.  Purchase a cookie press from a homeware store. This is a great option if you want to gift the cookies. Take the dough out of the bowl and place it onto a clean bench. Use your hands to squeeze the dough into a lump and then roll it into a log shape. Try to make the log a consistent width. This will help the biscuits to cook evenly.  Sprinkle a dusting of flour onto the bench to help stop the dough from sticking. Make the log 30 cm (12 in) long and 5 cm (2.0 in) wide. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into slices. Continue slicing until the whole log has been cut into cookies and then place the biscuits onto a greased tray.  Try your best to make each slice and even distance apart as this will help the biscuits to cook evenly. Move the log onto a cutting board to cut if your bench scratches easily. Leave 2.5 cm (0.98 in) between each cookie. Place the tray of cookies into the middle of the oven and set a timer for 10 minutes. Check the cookies after 8 minutes, and if they are golden around the edges, take them out. Transfer the cookies onto a wire cooling rack to cool.  Always use oven mitts when taking trays out of the oven. Let the cookies cool for 30 minutes. Keep the cookies in an airtight container in the pantry for up to 2 weeks. An airtight container will help to keep the cookies nice and crispy. If you want to eat the cookies at a later date, place the airtight container into the freezer for up to 5 months.
Summary: Use a cookie press Roll the dough into a log if you want to make circle cookies. Cut the log into 1 cm (0.39 in) slices and place them onto a baking tray. Cook the cookies for 10 minutes or until they are golden brown.