DEAR ABBY: 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. -- UNDECIDED IN BROCKTON, MASS.
DEAR UNDECIDED: I see no reason to make any announcements to anyone right now. Keep dating the man and see where it leads.
Because your "friend" has been in a satisfying relationship for nearly two years, she should be happy that you have met someone and "clicked." If she isn't, then she is not your friend, and your question is moot.