DEAR HARRIETTE: A couple of years back, a guy named Josh and I had a fling. We have since become platonic friends, and we even vacation in the same large group. His girlfriend is very bubbly, and it is nice to see them happy together. Recently, 20 of us were all away together, and Josh's mother made an appearance. I found myself having an excellent conversation with her and enjoyed meeting her. Josh's girlfriend, however, may have made a gaffe by ignoring the mother. Later, one of the people on the trip overheard Josh's mother talking to him. She said Josh's girlfriend is rude and that she likes me more. The mother does not know about our past dalliance. I have a boyfriend, only see Josh as a friend and do not want to make an enemy out of his girlfriend. The group gossip told me, so I know I am not the only one who knows about the mother-son conversation. Do I ignore the situation? -- Keeping It in the Past, Dallas
DEAR KEEPING IT IN THE PAST: If you and Josh speak regularly, you could contact him to give him the heads-up. Tell him how nice you think his girlfriend is and recommend that he encourage her to get to know his mom. Because you spoke at length with her and the girlfriend did not, the mom naturally is reminded of you and interested in you. You can immediately deflect that back to his current relationship. Remind Josh that you have a boyfriend and you are just looking out for him and his girlfriend.
Now, if you and Josh rarely talk, just let this die down on its own. Ultimately, the two of them need to find their way with his mother. Offer your advice only if you think it will be heard.