Does a trio work?

FRIENDSHIPS are deeply built relationships that require a great deal of understanding and communication. Like all types of relationships, they should be a two-way process: giving and taking, helping each other grow, and balancing each other’s decisions.

However, Gen Z has started to think that trio friendships may not work because two people are more likely to be close rather than three. The dynamics can be complicated — for some Zoomers, there is a higher chance that pairs will form within a trio when it comes to bonding and making decisions.

In an instance where the two agree on a bond or decision, one person might feel left out and excluded. During these times, there is a higher chance that the two people will eventually form a stronger bond.

But this is just one perspective. The situation has been exacerbated by how it has been handled by some people.

Views on trio friendships

The thing about friendship is it works when you choose to make it work. In an exclusive interview with republicasia, Zoomers shared their take on trio friendships.

Joshua Deniz Borja, a 20-year-old BS Medical Technology student, believes that a trio can work and is possible. 

“Hindi lang naman nagw-work yung isang trio kapag merong isang tao sa trio na yon na nakikipag-compete dun sa dalawa,”

 “You aren’t looking for friendship if gusto mo makipag-compete, you’re just looking for someone who can make you feel na you’re superior among them,” Borja stated. 

As mentioned by Borja, there is a higher chance of failing a friendship if one sees the others as enemies — remember, friendships should never be a competition, especially when it’s an unhealthy one.

Another Gen Z from BSBA Marketing, Rhogelyn Jan Anzures, also agreed that trios can work. She emphasized that balance is the key factor in maintaining it.

“Communication is also essential to prevent misunderstandings or anyone feeling left out,”

“When all three people share mutual respect and understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, a trio can thrive,” she added.

Meanwhile, Patricia Miles, a 20-year-old BA Broadcasting student, shared her experience with trio groups and strongly testified that despite background differences, they managed to make it work.

“I think what works for us is our harmony and openness to each other, but we also don’t over communicate to the point na we tell each other what we hate about the other,”

“I’m also open about the fact na I consider my other friend my ‘bestfriend’ and the other never had issues with it,”

“I guess our personalities match lang talaga, we’ve never even fought for the 8 years na magkakasama kami,” Miles shared, recounting her trio’s story.

These Gen Z’s shared their own experiences of being in a trio, and it serves as a testament that friendships are not based on the number of people in a group.

Value of friendships

Being friends with someone brings comfort and undeniable love, especially if there is genuine care. Friendships are a beautiful part of everyone’s youth, with shared memories, hardships, and learning experiences.

Anzures shared her strategy for maintaining a healthy and less problematic friendship: “Make time for each other, listen without judgment, and be supportive. It’s also important to appreciate and respect each other’s differences,”

“Friendships need effort from all sides, so be willing to put in the work to keep the connection strong, whether it’s a duo, trio, or a larger group,” Anzures concluded.

For Miles, maintaining a friendship means respecting boundaries, no matter how deep the connections are: “Kung matagal na kayo and iniisip mo pa rin na sensitive yung isa dahil hindi makasabay sa inyo, ikaw/kayo yung may problema,”

“Ganging up on someone is not a good look; you’re wrong kahit gano pa ka ‘tama’ yung opinions niyo. It’s your responsibility as a friend to cater and make sure na all fits in the group. As cliché as it may sound, roles in friendships are important too. Huwag lang masyadong magiging bossy,”

“Make sure that you’re with them during your highs as well; hindi naman ok na kausap mo lang sila every time you’re down,” Miles said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with friends.

Encountering challenges in friendships is normal. It is something everyone should experience because that’s how life works — to learn, and to acknowledge that people fail and make mistakes.

However, in a mature friendship, one must understand that mistakes can be made by anyone. A mature friendship allows for honesty with respect — and that’s how it should be maintained.

Friendships are not based on the number of people in the circle, but on how each person treats one another with genuine respect, allowing for growth both inside and outside of their comfort zones.

Every individual must put in the effort to maintain a strong friendship, whether it is between two people, three people, or a larger group.

The secret to maintaining friendships is mutual understanding and communication. Always remember that if they wanted to, they would. And it is important to keep that in mind.

With reports from Alexis Fei Caceres