Single is the New Third Wheel

Recently I was invited to a BBQ of my friend's (she was co-hosting) and I was really excited to go. Now I'm gonna be honest, a major part of the reason that I wanted to go was because she rooms with a guy of interest to me. Because of this detail I wanted to take extra precaution that I looked good and that I impress him. So what did I do.. that's right I borrowed my roommate's outfit, did my hair and makeup, then I cooked! Yes, I cooked! I made a delicious seafood pasta salad (that everyone loved). You would think that all was going according to plan right... WRONG! the thing that messed everything up... HE HAD A GIRLFRIEND!!! It was heartbreaking really. Here I was just starting to think that I was about to get out of my rut, No. Given that no one knew he was of interest except for my BFF I saved face and just went along with the party. There was even a point that I thought that the night could be salvaged. Throughout the evening more and more guys showed up which gave me hope that maybe I would find someone, but just as that hope came... it left. Quickly, because every guy there had a girlfriend. At that point it dawned on me that this was a couple's party. I know that it didn't say that on the invite, but it should have. I, as a single girl, was invited to a couple's party. This my friends brought me back to the feeling of being the third wheel. You know when your friend invites you out with his/her boyfriend or girlfriend. Yea... it was like that. There really isn't too much for me to say other than... DON'T DO IT!!! Refuse to be the third wheel because it generally sucks. Two is company, three is a crowd, and in this case I was crowed out because I didn't come as a couple. Although it is generally courteous of people to not invite you when you will be the third wheel, the are generally oblivious of the situation. They will insist that you won't feel left out, and that it won't be awkward, but they are just being stupid. Everyone is guilty of doing this, including myself so it is just best to politely decline whenever invited into this kind of scenario. And if they choose to insist more just get angry and let it all out on them that you don't want to be the third wheel and that the shit just sucks! They'll understand eventually and you my friend will have avoid this F-ed up situation. Had I known what I was getting into before had, I might not have gone, or at least not have cooked. Let this be a guide to you all... if you don't know what exactly is going on ask questions, and if it's not something that is going to benefit you, just don't do it. It will make you happier and you won't be left with a huge bowl of leftover pasta salad.