The Psychology of your 20s 375. The psychology of friendship trios
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Jan 15, 2026 Exploring friendship trios reveals their unique dynamics and emotional complexities. Listen in as they discuss the thrill of extra support and mirrored affection, while also addressing the pain of feeling like a third wheel. Discover common roles within trios, the impact of jealousy, and how to navigate alliance imbalances. Practical advice includes strengthening individual friendships and recognizing red flags for unhealthy dynamics. Tune in for insights on maintaining healthy trio relationships and knowing when to step back.
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Best-Friend Trip Exclusion Story
- A listener described lifelong friends excluding her from a New York trip after a birthday conflict, which left her devastated and blocked on social media.
- Jemma advised she'll likely need a clear apology and honest communication to assess whether the trio can recover.
Triads Are Structurally Different
- George Simmel showed triads behave differently than dyads because adding a third person changes the relationship dynamics fundamentally.
- Kenneth Go and David Crockett's Simmelian ties create four overlapping relationships inside a trio, increasing complexity.
Exclusion Hurts Like Physical Pain
- Cyberball studies show quiet social exclusion causes strong emotional and even physical pain responses.
- Being left out by close friends triggers similar or stronger reactions because of evolutionary threats to belonging.