Undecided in Brockton, Mass.

I have been widowed for more than two years, and a nice man has asked me out. We hit it off great, but I have one problem. A friend of mine dated him years ago, and it didn't work out. She is now happily seeing a man she has been involved with for almost two years. She says you don't date a friend's past date. I think she's being childish. I believe this man and I will have a good relationship, and I don't want to lose him because of this. She will find out eventually, and I can't decide if I should take the chance of her not knowing for a while and see how it goes. In any case, I may lose her. Am I wrong? I have been out of the dating loop for 21 years and this is all new to me. I'd appreciate your opinion.

Leslie says...

Several of my female peers might disagree with me, but I don't think your friend's history with your current beau is a reason not to continue seeing him. That is, unless she still has feelings for him. But, she's happily seeing a new guy, and has been for two years, you say. So who the hell cares that she believes you shouldn't remain involved with him because they used to date? Tell her to mind her cock blocking business and stop trippin. He (nor your seeing him) should no longer concern her. And if she insists that it does, tell her to seek psychiatric help. Or better yet, tell her to talk to her current boyfriend about it and see what he thinks!