TWO is company, three is a crowd—but not if you play your cards right. Welcome to the “Third Wheel” club, an exclusive faction of individuals who have mastered the art of being the tag-along of their chosen couples.

While the notion to go “aw, bummer” hits, think of it as an honor as not everyone who hangs out with couples can qualify. You need a particular set of skills and just enough patience to go through all the unexpected situations, fuss and fights—not to mention the PDA (public displays of affection) sessions so cringeworthy you’ll want to hide under a table.

And since we live in a world where social media is life, you also need to up your camera/paparazzi skills.

So for all the rookies out there who have yet to join this elite club, read on to know the rules on being a third wheeler and you might just earn a permanent spot. This doesn’t just apply to single folks, okay? Your date might just bail and you’re stuck with them.

Know your place.

And by “place,” meaning the seating arrangement from the public or private mode of transportation, down to the hangout you guys are planning to hit. While most couples are completely chill and also do their best not to make you feel uncomfortable (girls usually sit together while the guys hang back), it’s already a given that in most situations they’re likely to sit next to each other—and they have a right to. So be considerate and sit across your buds. Think of the extra space you have all to yourself. Not bad.

Don’t stir the pot.

“Hey, (insert friend’s name)! Remember that time when your ex was...”

No. You did NOT just do that! Read the room. Everything is dandy once you start to get along with these people but some conversations—especially sensitive ones, ones that will likely get someone in trouble—shouldn’t be mentioned in the company of a significant other. More so if your friend specifically said not to say it with him in the room (ever heard of a “pinky swear” or a “gentleman’s agreement?”).

No one’s expecting you to tiptoe but it wouldn’t hurt to be astute; otherwise, you’ll get the boot.

Don’t take sides.

Couples fight and it can’t be helped. Sometimes they can’t even help but fight in front of you. But don’t worry. They’re not expecting you to solve their problems. They just want to air them out. Just hang back and get popcorn. But if one of them says to you, “who’s right here!?” and you decide to give your two cents? Tread lightly. This is uncharted territory.

Try to be diplomatic and as much as possible, try not to take sides so as not to hurt the other party. But if push comes to shove and you end up being the judge, jury and executioner, take the side of your friend because that’s another argument. But tell your friend on the side what they did wrong so they’ll also come to their senses.

Don’t be a sourpuss.

Be happy that your friend, who you love more than life itself (apart from your family and other friends), has found the one he/she is happy with; the one he/she is so happy to show to the world and you; and whom he/she trusts to be around you in one room because it’s a tough choice. So if you see anything that’s too sweet, suck it up. Pretty soon, you’ll find someone who will make you feel so loved that when you meet up with them, it’ll be their turn to duck their heads from too much sweetness.