Updates: “Preferred Being a Third Wheel” Responds

It’s time again for “Dear Wendy Updates,” a feature where people I’ve given advice to in the past let us know whether they followed the advice and how they’re doing now. Today we hear from “Preferred Being a Third Wheel” (LW2) the 17-year-old whose sister’s ex-boyfriend pressured her into hanging out and who made her uncomfortable by telling her she was his only friend. “I know he really needs a friend,” she wrote, “but I am not sure what to do that would be best for both of us, and I could really use some advice.” Her update below.

I was going through my old emails and came across our exchanges. I realized I hadn’t updated you since getting your advice!

Thanks to your advice and the advice left in the comments, I worked up enough courage to send Alex a text letting him know I would be taking a step a back. I then did as you recommended and blocked his number/blocked him on social media. I haven’t heard from him since and I am very happy to not have him in my life anymore.

Thank you again for your help! Your advice was the push I needed to finally end the relationship. I still keep your words in my back pocket as I make new relationships, and they have certainly come in handy. You’re the best!

Congrats on learning an important lesson about setting boundaries. No one is entitled to your attention – least of all some creepy, manipulative guy your sister dated for a minute.

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If you’re someone I’ve given advice to in the past, I’d love to hear from you, too. Email me at [email protected] with a link to the original post, and let me know whether you followed the advice and how you’re doing now.

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