When Your Best Friend is Dating Your Parent

You and your best friend have known each other since childhood. You share everything, namely the same values, respect for each other's ideas, opinions, beliefs, hopes and dreams. You may not always agree with each other, but your friendship has withstood the time. And no matter what happens, good or bad, you'll always be there to cover each other's back.

Your parents have been divorced for years. Whether it's your mother or father, eventually one of them may find someone, and start to date. And you're okay with that because everyone deserves to have someone who is going to make them happy, in their lives.

But suddenly, you discover that one of your parents is seeing your best friend. And now all hell has broken loose, because you believe that your comrade has betrayed you for having the audacity to date one of your parents. But one has to ask the following question: Why should you feel deceived because your parent is dating your best friend, who by the way happens to be over 18 years of age? There are no easy answers. But if you're ever caught in this type of situation, consider the following:

If they share the same interests, that's a good start, and if it's a May-December romance, there is nothing you can do to change the person's age. So live with it.

Remember, your parent and friend are adults, and have the right to see each other, whether you like it or not, as long as both parties are consenting adults.

If you really know and trust your best friend, there shouldn't be a problem with your friend dating your parent.

Give your mother or father enough credit for having the good sense and excellent taste to have selected your friend as his or her companion. If you enjoy being around your friend, why shouldn't your mother or father have the same privilege?

If you have a problem with your best friend dating your parent, ask yourself why; is there something wrong with your parent or your best friend? Do they have emotional, physical or psychological problems that can damage the relationship; are they bank robbers, ax murderers or serial killers? You get the picture!!!

Keep in mind, at this stage of the relationship, they are only dating; they are not engaged to be married. And if it ever gets to this phase, you can serve as their wedding planner. After all, who knows your friend's or parent's idiosyncrasies better than you do?

The question you should ask yourself is: how important is this relationship to my parent and my best friend; remember it's not all about you. This is not the time to be self-centered.

So if you want to maintain a never-ending relationship with your best friend, it is paramount to mind your own business, because a best friend is special and does not come along very often.