Doing The Right Thing
Dear Frankie,
My friend and neighbor Rascal and I share a ride to the dog park. He has been spending most of his time recently with Maisie, a newcomer to the park.
The other day Rascal didn’t catch a ride because he went to a birthday party for his long-term girlfriend, Gigi. When I got in the gate, Maisie ran over and immediately began talking to me about Rascal. She said he told her she was beautiful and looked forward to being with her. Maisie then asked if he had shared with me that they were dating.
She could have knocked me over with a feather. When I had a minute to recover, I told her that Rascal isn’t much of a talker, so I wasn’t surprised he hadn’t said anything.
I don’t know what I should do with this information. Is it up to me to say something to Rascal, Gigi, or Maisie or not say anything at all?
Best, Apple
Dear Apple,
If what Maisie told you about them being an item is true, I can see how difficult it would be for you to find out that your friend Rascal has been two-timing his girlfriend.
Is it possible that Maisie is making more of Rascals comments than he intended? Saying you enjoy being with someone and believe they are beautiful doesn’t necessarily mean you are dating.
Before you say anything, you might see how things play out between the two of them over the next few weeks.
If you see Rascal’s behavior to Maisie is more than casual, you might tell him what you have observed and ask him point-blank, “What’s going on between you and Maisie?”
You have then put Rascal on notice that you are aware of his behavior. In terms of how he behaves towards Maisie, and what he does after that is up to him.
By asking Rascal, you will be acting responsibly and respectfully in that you will not be accusing him, tattling on Maisie, or looking the other way.
Best, Frankie
© 2021 Geneva Woodruff
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