Hi preyer,
I've grown quite fond of you in the short amount of time I've been on this board, which is only a few hours. (I'm new here, not trying to step on anyone's toes, and sincerely mean that, which goes for everyone else as well. A civilized board? Only in a writing forum!)
(I especially like that you and I are the only two people on here at this hour, and we seem to be performing a duet together on the most recent posts.)
You know what "a couple" means. I know what "a couple" means. I'm sure everybody on this board knows what it means.
Not everyone who willread your work knows what it means.
Yes, I do know 'idiots,' who are quite successful in their own right, who don't know what the phrase means by definition. Yes, they will argue that it could easily mean three or four, or anything less than "a handful." I have no idea to this day what "a handful" actually means.
My point is this:
When writing for others, you want to be as clear as possible. Always. Leave no doubt in your intentions. Sometimes, sometimes, it will fit the story to say "a couple" as opposed to saying "two." But usually, use "two."
Cheers!!
PS- "a few" should mean 'three,' you are of course correct. But our casual-everyday-speak is butchering the English language, so it's tough to know for sure anymore. Until the Chinese rule the world, I guess that's all we have.