375. The psychology of friendship trios

Navigating friendship in your 20s is already complicated – so what happens when we add a third person into the mix? The group chat might be buzzing, there’s always someone to talk to, and belonging to a group of three can feel like a safe space. But what happens when two start getting closer, plans are made without you, or you’re constantly wondering if you’re the extra one?

In today’s episode, we unpack the psychology of friendship trios - why they feel so special, when they can hurt, and how to tell the difference between a rough patch and a dynamic that’s genuinely not good for you.

We explore:

• The beauty of a friendship trio
• Friendship dyads vs triads
• The role of Simmelian ties
• When imbalances start to show (alliances, jealousy and feeling like the ‘third wheel’)
• What healthy trio dynamics actually look like (and how to achieve it)
• Hot to know when it’s time to step back

If you’re navigating this nuanced aspect of friendship, this episode is for you.

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