Sometimes even advice columnists need some help

DEAR READERS >>

In my (almost) 17 years of writing the Ask Amy column, I have been seriously, thoroughly and publicly pranked two times.

I assume I might have been fooled with other “faux” problems, but following is one of the two questions that created a viral gotcha moment that, while embarrassing for me, was highly entertaining for the scores of readers who immediately recognized the spoofing. At the end of this column, I’ll reveal the original source of the problematic plotline.

I’ll be back with original columns on Monday.

DEAR AMY >> I recently ran into a famous local sports figure at my gym.

I didn’t want to bother him, but much to my surprise he approached me. Turns out he knew me from my profession. He asked if I wanted to go out for coffee, and we exchanged numbers. A few days later we had coffee, and I thought it was pretty cool that he considered us friends.

Then everything changed. He told me he was interested in taking out a woman we ran into. She is my ex-girlfriend and we’ve remained good friends. He asked me a couple of times if I wouldn’t mind if he asked her out. I reluctantly said no. I made plans with him, and then after talking to my ex I found out that he ditched our plans to go out with her.

The next day he called me and asked if I could help him move some furniture. I barely know the guy, next thing he will be asking me to drive him to the airport. Two friends of mine warned me not to trust this guy. What’s the deal — am I being too rash, or should I dump the guy as a friend? — Feeling Foolish

DEAR FOOLISH >> The good news here is that you won’t have to dump the guy as a friend because he is not a friend. He’s an opportunist who just keeps asking you for stuff.

I suspect that when you turn down his generous offer to let you move furniture for him, you’ll likely never hear from him again.

DEAR READERS >> The question from “Feeling Foolish” is based on a famous “Seinfeld” plotline co-starring Mets star Keith Hernandez.