Roommate with benefits attracted to man’s friend

DEAR ABBY » I’m a woman in my 40s with a good job, and I’m told I am a good catch. About six months ago, I moved in with a man I will call Peter. It started as a roommate situation, but then became friends with benefits.

The problem is Peter has a friend, “Reggie.” I like Reggie, and he likes me. We have hung out as a group several times. To the best of my knowledge, Reggie has no idea Peter and I are FWBs.

Reggie recently asked me out to dinner as a date. I can see myself having a real relationship with him, but don’t know how Peter will react.

Should I accept the invitation?

— F.W.B. in the south

DEAR F.W.B. » Accept Reggie’s offer and be upfront with Peter about it. The only thing that might change would be that Peter will have to find another friend with benefits because the sexual aspect of your relationship with him may be over.

DEAR ABBY » I care a lot about what friends, family — even the general public — do with their money. Specifically, I promote the benefits of owning a home, but I suspect my efforts to educate them may need a more loving approach. I just don’t want people I care about to throw their money away to their landlords. Do I need to be more loving and supportive vs. educating?

— Community Helper

in Michigan

DEAR HELPER » People usually have good reasons for renting instead of buying. If you keep repeating your advice and it’s falling on deaf ears, it’s fair to conclude your message isn’t being appreciated.e and ask for your help.