DEAR ABBY: I'm a 25-year-old woman and lonely. I'm interested in a guy I have known for years. He's my older brother's friend, and we're only six years apart. When I expressed my interest in him, he politely let me know that he would not date me because of my brother.
Is there a secret code that I'm missing? Is it taboo for a man who is your older brother's friend to date the younger sibling? I am confused as to why it would matter since we are both adults. -- LONELY IN WISCONSIN
DEAR LONELY: While it isn't "taboo" to date the sibling of a close friend, it can lead to complications if the relationship doesn't work out. Friendships have become strained or ended because of it.
Not knowing the man you have your sights set on, I can't speculate whether the reason he gave you was the truth. It could also be that the feelings you have for him are not reciprocated, but regardless -- now that you know he isn't interested, it's time to look elsewhere for someone to assuage your loneliness.