You know you could ruin the friendship, never date out of pity because that foundation eventually crumbles no matter what comes after the first date, and your friend's possessiveness can be handled with a frank conversation about your wanting to go out on a date with the guy - don't be a child just because she wants to be. You owe her honesty if she is a real friend. If she can't handle it, well let her, "be that way". You should never try to manage someone's emotions by lying to them - how someone reacts is not a reason to live the life you want to live unless it's going to bother you (what she thinks, feels, etc.) -- then you just decide not to do it. Secrets always come out eventually. I think there must have been some element of attraction to you on his part for some time if you and he have been friends for 5 years. Men don't typically put that kind of time into platonic relationships. If there is absolutely no chemistry between you two (thinking of holding his hand just makes you gag) then don't go there because it's doubtful that can be overcome. If you can see a spark of attraction, please try a nice guy because they make wonderful boyfriends! "Nice guys finish last" and that's just fine in relationships which can turn out to be marathons instead of 40-yard dashes. Nice guys tend to take their time which is really nice if you like that kind of thing. If you're in a rush... 5-year-friend-dude may not be a good match. If you want more food for thought about making a decision: What kinds of romantic relationships has he had since you've known him? Think about how those went, what he said about her/them, why they broke up. Is he friends with his ex-girlfriends? Would he be a good catch if it did work out? I never enter a relationship that I can't see working - why bother? I have other things to do/think about and I'm not desperate for someone to do things I can do with someone else I really like...I could be missing a real relationship by wasting time on a "not-in-a-million-years" one...think about that. My dad taught me to never date anyone I wouldn't marry - good advice. Whatever you decide it's nicer having someone flirt with you than not so enjoy it. ~ Mimi ~ http://www.neopets.com/~Amyrilli

I've never dated a guy any of my friends have liked, but here's what I would do. First ask yourself how long ago your friend liked this guy. Was this crush last month, or three years ago? I totally get the "don't date your friends' crushes" rule, but it has to be reasonable, you know? If it's really really recent that she liked him, then I can see how she could be justified in being annoyed with you (due to jealousy). However, if this was a while back and she hasn't mentioned him much "that way" to you since, then I agree with Temps that a frank conversation is the way to go. Either way, your friend doesn't "own" him, and if, after a frank conversation, she declares that she'll be forever angry with you if you go on a date with him, she needs to grow up :P. A good and mature friend would tell you to go out with him even if she's kinda hurt by it. She obviously doesn't have a chance with him because she hasn't made it happen yet, so why should you be affected? Either way, talk to her about it. Open dialogue is the way to go!

My posting got to private to share in the forum sweet I emailed you I hope I did not offend! Hugs Suz --------------------- Best Priced Malls Toys, Plushies, Usuki's, Paintbrush's, Job Coupons, & Morphing Potions http://www.neopets.com/browseshop.phtml?owner=suzierainbow

What Mimi said lol ----------------------------- [color=purple]Contrary to popular belief, the Irish and I are not married[/color]

Haha yeah :p who knew lol. ----------------------------- [color=purple]Contrary to popular belief, the Irish and I are not married[/color]

hehehe, you are in a tricky situation. Do whatever you feel best, if you do something anyone tells you to do and it goes wrong, then you may blame them, if you do what you want to then the only person to blame is yourself. Think about yourself Check out Kei's books? http://www.neopets.com/browseshop.phtml?owner=htieki

Not necessarily suggesting to you how or who to date here, but back before I got married, I trusted my gut instinct. When I had some doubt, I called it off. The first couple of times I didn't do that and ended up in drawn out, off-and-on crappy relationships. In the end, it turned out really well for me because when I met the right person, I knew it cause there was never any doubt :) *feels old and lame after posting that*

[quote=jfrog5982]Not necessarily suggesting to you how or who to date here, but back before I got married, I trusted my gut instinct. When I had some doubt, I called it off. The first couple of times I didn't do that and ended up in drawn out, off-and-on crappy relationships. In the end, it turned out really well for me because when I met the right person, I knew it cause there was never any doubt :) *feels old and lame after posting that*[/quote] Nah, not lame.. Very true though.. haha ----------------------------- [color=green]NEW MAIN MARKET MALL! Click [url=http://neopets.com/~kluioa]here[/url] to view openings!![/color]