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The Noble Thing To Do
Good evening gentlemen,
I, like many of you, came to this site in search of a way to become a better man. I've gained a lot of knowledge browsing the articles and the different forums this site has to offer but tonight I come to you all with a question of my own. From what I've read, you all seem like a level headed group of guys and I'd like to get your thoughts on a situation I'm in and what the noble thing to do in this situation would be.
To give you a little background, I'm a 20 year old sophomore in college, been in a great relationship with an amazing girl for almost 3 years now (we were high school sweethearts.) My girlfriend is currently studying abroad for the semester in Spain and we both share a love for different cultures. Because of that, we have befriended a lot of international students at our university and one of them has become best friends with my girlfriend and even I have formed a close friendship with her. This exchange student is a female in her mid 20's from France and both her and my girl are extremely close. Together we've been friends for about a year and half now. This is where the question comes in..
My exchange student friend calls me up about once a week just to catch up, climb at the rock wall, or just go out and get a bite to eat. It's a completely innocent friendship that my girlfriend knows all about and actually encourages, so I don't want you guys getting the wrong idea or anything. Just a nice girl. The thing is, as of a month ago, she started dating a guy and I get the impression he isn't too found of the idea of me and her spending any time together (understandable for any guy in a new relationship in my opinion.)
What I would like to know from you guys is how should I handle this situation? I'd like to talk to him, let him know I'm not out to steal his woman or anything. He knows I'm in a serious relationship and he knows about our friendship prior to their relationship. But what I'd like to know is what would the noble thing to do be? I'd like to remain friends with her especially considering we were friends before the relationship but it's also not my style to interfere with another guys relationship.
I'd appreciate any advice you guys have for this.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Liam O. on -
"I'd like to talk to him, let him know I'm not out to steal his woman or anything. "
In phrasing a question to others you seem to have answered it yourself. I'd invite him out for a beer, explain that, and just give them a little space until their relationship is stable enough that he's not bothered.
Best of luck,
Liam
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Permalink Reply by LShieldes on
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Yep, proverbial "Beer summit"
That and the timing sucks with your GF out of the country. French chick is your stand in girlfriend, so while you two aren't physical, she is taking care of some of the emotional aspects. Some of that is going to have to go away with the new guy around.
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Permalink Reply by Matt D on -
I wouldn't say she's anywhere close to being a stand in girlfriend. We see each other at the most once a week so it's not anything serious. It's about the same amount of time, if not less than when my girlfriend was here so it's not like we just started hanging out to fill a void
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Permalink Reply by Brian Splash on -
Liam is right , as you are at this time only looking out your window of the " Johari window , you need to find out what he knows . http://www.noogenesis.com/game_theory/johari/johari_window.html
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Permalink Reply by Titus Techera on -
Nobility, so far as I have heard people explain it, means putting principle above expedience, especially above self-interest.
This new young man is nothing to you; you can only act nobly by your exchange-student friend. To speak briefly, nobility would seem to require your acting & speaking so as to not traduce her. Concern yourself with her reputation.
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Permalink Reply by Will on -
The idea of a young single man and young single woman being just-friends w/o romance on the horizon is a modern one. But even moderns don't, I think, believe the man and woman can be "very close" w/o threat to either's extant romantic relationships. Maintaining a "close" friendship with this woman invites your feelings, and hers, to change to romance. It's not just possible; it's likely.
Better to recognize that, and put in distance. Be friends, just not so close. One way to start woujld be to reduce hanging out with her to times with her bf present. (If even that.)
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Permalink Reply by Edward G on
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I would disagree on that front. I have a few very close female friends, and there are no romantic hints going on. I have been supporting them a lot through the sticky patches in their relationships, and at no point that I am aware of has my friendship caused any problems. There have been a few people (all male) who have trouble understanding the concept of a close friendship with females, but explaining it sorts that out without issue. However, I recognize that this might not be possible for other people (I have been explicitly told by people that I am the least threatening person to a relationship they know).
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Permalink Reply by JonEdanger on -
How long have you been gay?
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Permalink Reply by Titus Techera on
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Maybe he is just a paragon of morality, a completely selfless creature-
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Permalink Reply by Wim Boeree on -
@Jon Dude! Don't try to offend people on the forum or try to be funny on the expense of others, that's not cool. I myself have quite a few close friends who are female, no romantic interest or anything like that, and I'm not gay.
I think you have a slight problem if you think only gay men have the ability to be just friends with a women/girl.
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Permalink Reply by JonEdanger on
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When I need your advice on what to post I'll be sure to ask for it.
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Permalink Reply by JonEdanger on
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He knows I'm in a serious relationship and he knows about our friendship prior to their relationship.
No action required then.
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