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.
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One-sentence 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.


It won't be a good day if you singe off your eyebrows and get third-degree burns on your hands, so turn off your car and let it cool down before you open up the hood and get to work. Let it sit for at least an hour before you start dissecting its parts. It's not a dumb idea to protect yourself with goggles or gloves, either. If you don't want anything getting in your eyes or your hands getting covered in gunk, get out the protective gear. And, of course, a shirt you don't mind smudging with grease or oil. The thermostat and radiator hose are linked to your car's cooling system; if you don't drain out the coolant, you're gonna get water everywhere when you start disassembling. Here's how:  Place a bucket (or some sort of container) underneath your radiator. You'll have somewhere between 4 to 8 cups of fluid pouring out, so don't skimp on the size of your container. At the bottom of the radiator, there should be a draining screw or cap (technically, it's a radiator drain cock). Twist this to the left, opening it up. Let all the water and coolant flow out. Keep the cap somewhere you won't lose it. Every model of car is different. Some thermostats you could spot from a mile away, others will be an obstacle to even the most trained of eyes. If looking at your car's engine is like reading gibberish, find the radiator hose and follow it to the end -- that'll be where your thermostat is located.  The body of the thermostat is probably metal with a bit of gold in the center and possible a rubber ring around the edges. It resembles a top or dreidel in shape and size, or, a small plunger. If you're not quite sure what you're doing, consult your manual or look up the location online. It's better to know what you're looking for instead of poking around and possibly injuring yourself. The hose is most likely clamped to the thermostat casing. Unscrew this and set it aside. Move onto the thermostat casing, exposing the thermostat itself. You will definitely need a screwdriver, and you may need pliers, for the record.  Most vehicles have a two-bolt or three-bolt system for the thermostat casing. If corrosion and gunk is building up prominently, clean up the area before you go about adding your new thermostat. A bit of water will probably come out with removal of the hose. This is normal. Is it possible that your thermostat works, it's just stuck closed or a different part of your vehicle is starting to kick the bucket, affecting your thermostat's ability to make accurate readings? If so, it's very easy to test your thermostat. Here's how:  Get a pot of water boiling. Insert your thermostat. The thermostat should open at around 190 ºF (88 ºC). Since water boils at 212ºF (100ºC), this is more than enough. If the thermostat doesn't open in the water (and then close when it cools), you need a new one. From here on out, it's mainly a matter of reassembly -- the easy stuff. Replace your thermostat just like it the old one was positioned. If applicable, replace the rubber ring, too, sealing the edges. If the area is building up dirt and grime, wipe it down with some cleaner first. You want to maximize the life of your thermostat and not have to deal with this again anytime soon. You remember what everything looked like, right? Here's a brief checklist:  Make sure the thermostat is snug and in place. Bolt down the thermostat casing over top of the thermostat. Finger start your bolt and then bust out your pliers or socket wrench and get to tightening. Be careful not to strip the bolts. Replace the radiator hose and clamp. The radiator should be snug on the outside of the thermostat casing and the clamp must be well-tightened. If the coolant you just drained out was fairly new, just use the same stuff in the bucket and add it back in. If it was old, you may be better off throwing the contents of the bucket out and just using new coolant. Either way, replace the coolant and make sure the radiator drain cock is on tight. Once replaced, check for leaks. Your car needs coolant to operate safely. If yours is leaking, you literally won't get very far. You're done! Now all you have to do is keep an eye on your temperature gauge. If it's acting up, do a double check to make sure you secured everything appropriately. If so, you may need to consult a mechanic -- the problem probably lies elsewhere.
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One-sentence summary --
Make sure your car has cooled down. Drain the antifreeze out of your car. Locate your thermostat. Remove the radiator hose and take apart the thermostat casing. If desired, test your thermostat. Swap out your old thermostat for the new one. Reassemble the system. Replace the coolant and check for leaks. Get back on the roads.