Rebuilding Rob

I’m not a numerologist, but I do find it fascinating how there are certain superstitions that are connected to certain numbers. Take the number three for instance…

It is said that things occur in threes. At least that’s what they say about celebrity deaths on social media. One of my favorite expressions is “there are three sides to every story: our side, their side, and the truth.” In Christianity, there is the trinity of the father, the son, and the Holy Spirit. Likewise in DC Comics, the superhero trinity is comprised of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Sigmund Freud, although much of his work has been debunked, talked about 3 aspects of human personality: the id, the ego and the superego. In the story of Aladdin, the Genie grants whoever rubs the lamp 3 wishes. Then there’s The Three Stooges, The 3 Musketeers, The Three Little Pigs, Three Men and a Baby. Two is company; but three is a crowd. Occurrences of the number three are scattered all throughout our culture.

Somewhere along the way, during my most recent sojourn back into the eternal search for the future Ex Mrs. Rob, a good friend of mine took note of some of my dating exploits and started referring to the people I was dating, or potentially dating, as “the trio“.

I found this funny because, while it was nothing I ever intended to do, I definitely have no fewer than three people I was either dating, wanted to date, or talking to with the potential of a relationship. Typically, but not always, there would be one whom I was dating and with whom I wanted an exclusive relationship. There would usually be another who I had “waiting in the wings“ so to speak. Someone who I hadn’t really started going out with yet, but someone for whom was certainly potential for a relationship. Then there was usually a third person who I was talking to on a regular basis, but hadn’t actually gone out with yet.

Invariably, none of these relationships have worked out. Sometimes I lost interest in the person. Sometimes she lost interest in me. Sometimes she found out that I was talking to other people. Sometimes either her or I just weren’t ready to be in a committed relationship. Once, I was even straight up caught cheating. Not red handed or anything mind you; but by a meddling family member reached out to somebody through social media and I got called out!

I once explained to this friend of mine that “I make these trios for the intention of them getting destroyed”. And this is true. Other times, these so-called trios just fall apart. One by one, I lose interest in them; or they lose interest in me. The fact is, if I met someone I wanted to be exclusive with, I would drop the other two people in a heartbeat.

I’m not saying all those to boast or brag, or show how much of a player I am. and I realize that it’s probably a real dick-ish way to do things. I’m not trying to perpetuate the guy stereotype either.

And maybe trying to “ keep my options open” is just as bad as some guy who tries to “play the field”. Maybe at the end of the day, it just means I’m not ready for an exclusive relationship right now. But I really like to think that I am, if the right person comes along.

Does the trio concept make me a player? Is it cheating on somebody to simply talk to another person even when there is no establishment of an exclusive relationship? What are your thoughts?

Thanks for stopping by Rebuilding Rob. Be sure to like, 👍 comment and subscribe to my blog below. It’s greatly appreciated! Also, feel free to follow me on social media as well! Check out my most recent posts as well as some earlier, related (and perhaps, not-so-related) posts:

• Rob’s Retro Movie Review: This is Spinal Tap (1984) – The Movie That Scaled to Eleven
• A Death in the Family (And My Disposable Income): My Life in Comics
• The Supporting Cast: Navigating the Eras of Male Friendship
• Life is What Happens: A Look Back at My Non-Existent 2025 Vision
• The Moment I Walked Inside a Hallmark Movie

The article “The Power of Three” first appeared on Rebuilding Rob.