A little boy on the street this morning: “Mommy, when can I have a play-date with Bobby and Martin?”

Mommy: “You just did on Sunday. Don’t you remember? In the park?”

Little guy: “Yeah, but its already more before than yesterday!”

Mommy (chuckling): “Okay, let me call Bobby’s mom and see if you can play with him later this afternoon or tomorrow.”

Little guy (pedagogically admonishing): “Martin, too, Mommy! We’re friends together!”

Ah, friends together! Best friends are immensely and unquestionably lovely, but in my view–and this little guy’s clear statements–the third wheel theory is wildly overrated. Philosophically speaking, a third wheel can indeed offer an extra level of stability … Truth be told, there’s nothing quite like triple decker fun: gales of laughter multiplied, mischief bubbling like a shaken soda-bottle … Not too few and not too many (and if you’re a skipping gal, enough for double-dutch!)

I can see then in my mind’s eye. Three little fellas: this curly top boy, Bobby, and of course, ‘friends together’ Martin … There they go, conquering the playground and marshaling a bench for headquarters. The Three Musketeers. The Trio. The Triple Besties.

Come to think of it–when is the last time you got together for a tricycle of laughter. How long has it been since you had a play-date of ‘friends together?’

I know it’s been a while for me, and overdue for some revision. How about you?

Three’s company. Pick up the phone. Do not delay. Go play!