With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, those of us without a significant other may possibly find ourselves in the uncomfortable position of being a third wheel. While there is no doubt the situation is always a little awkward, there is no reason it has to be so terrible. Here are four ways to make the best of your third-wheeling time.

1. Don’t make yourself the third wheel.
Even if you’re technically still the odd one out, you don’t have to act like it. If you make your discomfort too obvious, the fact that you are a third wheel becomes increasingly clear. Instead, attempt to disguise it when you’re feeling uncomfortable. Establish yourself as simply another friend, and don’t be afraid to joke around or join the conversation. The label “third wheel” only applies if you make it so!

2. Make light of awkward situations.
If the couple you’re spending time with is displaying a little too much affection for your taste, don’t make the situation even more uncomfortable by avoiding eye contact or finding an excuse to look at something else. Instead, joke about it! By pointing out the giant elephant in the room, you’re managing to clear the tension in the air, while invoking a few laughs along the way.

3. Invite a friend.
If nothing seems to be working and your time as a third wheel is still a complete nightmare, no one says you have to go through it alone. Not only does inviting a friend give you company when the couple has forgotten you’re there, but it also gives you someone to joke around with about your current situation. Having someone who’s as much a third wheel as you are is likely to lessen the load, making you more of a separate bicycle than a tricycle.

4. Give them some space.
Even if you want to avoid establishing yourself as the stereotypical depressing third wheeler, the fact is, you’re still a third wheel. And one of the key parts of being a third wheel is knowing when to give the couple space. While it’s good to join in and not leave yourself out, don’t smother them. Give them their moments. (They’ll appreciate it).

With these simple tips, being a third wheel might not be so bad after all. (Or you could always just stay home and watch Netflix).