The time I was in a love triangle, but it's not what you think

Dear JAMMers,

Did I save a relationship by becoming the third prong of a love triangle? You tell me.

It all unfolded as most classic tales do: with a drunk text.

Let’s set the scene - 

I was living with a group of girl friends in my early twenties.  Our cluttered apartment had all the single girl accouterments -  unmatched wine glasses and plates, band posters, and a bowl chair. Beyond sharing a love for learning the lyrics to the latest Lil Wayne song, we also shared chunky belts and statement necklaces.  

One day, after learning someone in our close friend group was blindsided by her boyfriend cheating, we were all shocked.  Despite being upset, we all voted to rally on with the evening’s plans for a girls night. We went out to the local pub for drinks. While we had a blast, we determined we were perhaps overserved.  We called it a night.

After some late night snacks, we made our way to our bedrooms.  I shared a bunk bed with a friend we will call Rachel.  Bottom bunk was mine and the top bunk was Rachel’s.  This detail matters, I promise. Anyway - Rachel had a wonderful boyfriend who loved her with every piece of him. We will call him Ross. Everyone was team Ross. 

I’m all tucked in, about to close my eyes, when my phone beeps with a text message.  

The message is from Rachel - the person laying in the bunk bed above me. 

It says something to the effect of: “If you ever want to cheat on me, please don’t. Just tell me and break up with me.”

I read this text message, and panic sets in because the tequila has taken over.  Ugh, she was worried after what we saw our friend go through.  My poor honey! 

Did I stand up and talk to the person who is literally laying 2 feet above me? No.

Did I text her back that she had texted me by mistake? No.

I thought, “Oh no! If I don’t answer the right way and use phrases as Ross would, it’s going to make her cry. They’ll fight and possibly even break up.” Without a shadow of a doubt, I did something that earned me the title of wingman of the decade. 

I replied that I (he) would never cheat on her because she is my (his) whole world. I assured her how much I (Ross) loved her (Rachel). We exchanged two or three messages back with these sentiments and it was squashed.  I succeeded.

The next day began like any other morning.  We were sitting in our living room, rejoining human society after a very unsteady breakfast.  Rachel looked through her phone to text Ross, she looks up and says, "Jaclyn, I sent YOU texts last night instead of Ross – did you answer them as if you were him?"

 And then it all came rushing back to me.

Well, they are very happily married now over 12 years later. I think I saved this couple from at the very least a late night fight and solidified my place in their love triangle. Don’t you agree? 

No worries,

Jaclyn