I'm the 3rd wheel who isn't needed.?

I agree don't stop being friends. The best thing to do is to make other friends with similar interests and hang out with them. If they are your real friends they'll call you to hang out. It's that simple man. Don't over analyze this. I had crappy friends before and they did this to me too. I just found better friends. Just tell yourself, "Next!" and move on. That's the best advice with women too when you date them.