MY GIRLFRIEND IS TOO FLIRTY WITH MY DAD

Dear Coleen

I’m a guy in my 20s and in a really awkward situation. I’ve been seeing my girlfriend for a couple of years and I really love her. She’s very open, friendly and sociable, and everyone thinks she’s great.

However, it bothers me that she seems to flirt a lot with my dad whenever we’re all together. They joke around a lot and are quite touchy-feely, although it’s never inappropriate.

It just makes me feel uncomfortable and I don’t know what to do about it. I also feel too embarrassed to bring it up with either of them.

What do you think?

Coleen says

If she’s a very open, friendly person, then maybe that’s just her way – some people are naturally flirtatious with everyone, but it doesn’t mean anything more.

You could look at it from a different angle and think about how great it is that they get on so well.

I understand that you don’t want to make this into an issue if it’s not – once the cat is out of the bag, it’s hard to get it back in!

When you get an idea in your head, you start to notice everything and even innocent gestures can seem suspicious. Perhaps work on your own selfconfidence because it might just be a bit of insecurity or jealousy that’s making you feel this way.

You could always have a casual word with your girlfriend – not accusing her of anything, but say something like, “You know, sometimes I think you fancy my dad more than you fancy me!”.