We all know what it feels like to be 'the last remaining single friend'. It's a bit like being the last child picked up by their parents at home time or that tiny screw in every Ikea flat pack you throw away because you can't work out where to put it. No-one should ever have to feel this way, because, you know what? Being single is actually pretty bloody brilliant and no amount of coupling up should let us forget it.
Relationships on Female First
So, here are 10 ways you can help a friend who’s unlucky in love...
Tell them they are amazing and it's everyone else's loss that they're still single right now.
We’re not saying you should be a ‘fluffer’ and plonk endless compliments down on their lap, but just let your friend know you’re there for them. It can be so incredibly easy to get caught up in your own life - your own plans, your own arguments, your own Netflix series... but don’t forget to be there for your friend.
As part of a ‘couple’ you can forget how important it is to have someone ask how your day was, so check in with your friend regularly, or surprise them with something fun to do that will make them feel appreciated and will let them know you’re thinking about them.
Never, ever say the words 'Don't worry, you'll find someone too!'
Same applies for 'You just have high standards', 'Why don't you try going on a date with Gary again?', 'Don't worry I have loads of friends who are still single too'.
Be supportive of all their endeavours
Even if this involves a dramatic new hairstyle, wardrobe choice or trying a new fad-dy dating app based on ‘drunk food’ preferences. They put up with you when you disappeared for five months in your ‘honeymoon’ phase so you can help encourage them to ‘find themself’ even if this means accompanying them to a yoga class.
Never, ever ask them if you can set them up.
But you can casually talk about and show nice pictures of friends you might think they like, and, if they show interest, invite them to the pub that week for a 'group' situation.
Don't invite them to things if they're going to be a massive third wheel.
But keep inviting them to things all the time, even if they complain about being the only single one. It's nice to feel wanted.
Book holidays with them.
Even if it's just a weekend in Prague, go do something cultural and fun. (Hen do's don't count.)
Don't cock block them by being overly keen or flirty in a club.
They are the single one, if there's a fit guy about - leave them to it.
Don't list all the cute things your partner has planned for you.
It's cool to mention stuff once in a while, but remember to put yourself in your friend's shoes sometimes… Don't complain when your partner gets you a present that you don't really love, they’ll only resent you, and equally don't complain about every little squabble you have with your other half.
Unless you are actually going to be single again, this is just annoying.
Ignore them when they say they hate couples.
They don't mean it.
And love them forever.
Because you mean more to them than any guy ever will.
*Abbie Moujaes is the in-house dating expert at world’s largest dating app, Badoo, which has over 380 million users worldwide and is available in 190 countries. Click here to download it!