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On weekends, you`ll often find me tagging along with a friend and her boyfriend - to the movies, to parties and dinner. It`s no big deal playing odd girl out, but the occasional sticky scenario does arise. Here are some handy tips for cruising through tough third-wheel moments. Learn to adapt. If it`s a choice between watching Hollywood Squares with Mom and Dad or inviting yourself to a free outdoor concert with your friend and her honey, the decision is easy. But when a love song fills the air and you hear her beau singing softly into her ear, you may conclude that shouting out answers with your parents would have been the better option.

Should you find yourself a witness to sweet nothings, maybe a joke about the blatant PDA is good. But the next time you invite yourself along, bring a pal or suggest that your friend`s guy ask one of his buddies to keep you company.

Be prepared for a sneak attack. Finding out you`re the fifth wheel on the love wagon could mean disaster. When your lab partner asks you to join a group to see Scream 3 on Saturday night, you`re in. But then your ride arrives, and it turns out that you`ve joined a double date. Great.

The two couples are entitled to cuddle; you`re entitled to feel comfortable. Grab a seat on the aisle to minimise hanky-panky exposure.

Speak up. When you call your best friend to go shopping, a red light might go on in your head if she ends the conversation with, "O.k, we`ll pick you up in five minutes.� The girls-only outing takes on a new dimension when her guy hitches a ride.

Her boyfriend may be the brother you never had, but unless he`s also the best friend you`ve always wanted, tell your pal how her guy`s surprise appearances make you feel. The next time you two have plans, state clearly, "Let`s make it a girls night.�

Know when to bow out. Even if you`re the world`s biggest music junkie, you must fight the urge to say yes to a friend`s invitation to watch the MTV Video Music Awards on her boyfriend`s big-screen TV.

Be straight with your well-meaning pal. Tell her that while it was nice of her to think of you, you`d rather not barge in on her quality time with her man. After all, having alone time for yourself is always a good thing.