Dear Ate Zenie,

Randy is a close friend of mine. We were classmates in high school. He became a seafarer first and then later, I joined him and now we are together in one ship. Randy was the one who helped me. We are deployed together and we became close friends.

Last July, Randy and I went to our province in Digos for a vacation. In a party, we met Anne. Anne was so beautiful, sweet and friendly. It was love at first sight for me. But the problem is, Randy also likes her.

I know Randy. He has a lot of girlfriends. He’s good looking and is bolero that’s why he can easily make any girls love him. I am not like him because I am not handsome, and I am shy. I get tongue-tied in front of women. I seldom like a girl but I know that when I do, I will be serious with her. Not like Randy who is a playboy and has many girlfriends.

What should I do, Ate Zenie? I like Anne and I want to court her but Randy likes her, too.

Paul

Dear Paul,

Before anything else, as a friend, you shouldn’t tolerate Randy’s attitude in dealing with women and relationships. He is leading the women on and then he breaks their hearts. Make him realize that he shouldn’t be in a relationship if he is not ready to commit or if he’s only playing games. Although you are not the one involved, in a way, you are an accomplice to the crime because you allow your friend to treat women that way.

If you really like Anne, you should talk to Randy about it. Ask him about his intentions. You mentioned he’s not serious with his women. Tell him that your intentions are clean, and that you are serious with Anne. Ask him if he could give her up for you. If he really is a true friend, he will listen to you. But if he is also serious with Anne, and has intentions of committing to her, then good luck to both of you and may the best man win.

Ate Zenie