I have a serious problem here. I have been dating this girl for about a month and a half now. She’s sweet and nice and is always there for me to call on. The problem is that I really like her roommate. She’s everything that I want in a girl, and I think she may feel the same way about me.

I’ve noticed that I start going over to my girlfriend’s just so I can see her. I think my girlfriend is starting to suspect that I’m more interested in her friend, so something is going to have to happen soon.

What should I do?

–Praying for a Miracle

Dear Praying for a Miracle,

Did you know that the Japanese use the same word for “crisis” as they do for “opportunity?” What you have, my dear friend, is a chance that many of us men have only dreamed of. Get them both.

What may seem like a very difficult and sensitive situation is actually quite simple if you break down your method. First off, when all three of you are together for some occasion, off-handedly comment how sad it is that you can’t have both women. This will show your girlfriend that she still means a lot to you while letting her roommate see your interest in her.

Secondly, start asking your girlfriend to invite her roommate along when you go out to a movie or to dinner. Your girlfriend will think you are caring and interested in the feelings of her roommate when all you really want to do is… well, feel her roommate.

Last, but certainly not least, you will need alcohol. Wait for a special occasion, like your girlfriend receiving an “A” on an important paper or her roommate getting done with a big mid-term exam. Let them know that you are proud of the work they did, then suggest that you do a little boozing to celebrate. When the beer is flowing like wine, anything can happen. Make sure that it does.

I guess if you’re not into the ménage-a-trois scene, you could just pick one and stick with her. However, I will remind you that you only live once. Unless your girlfriend or her roommate is the type of woman you can see yourself spending your life with, go for the gold. Think of it like Sam’s Club dating: buy in bulk.

Sincerely (hoping you will choose wisely),

David Morain

Dear Praying for a Miracle,

At first glance you might seem a little selfish in the situation. Deep down, though, you’re just a classic sucker for romance. There’s nothing to feel guilty about here.

First of all, there hasn’t been much invested in your current relationship. Honestly, you’d be doing her a favor since it seems like you’re only in this out of convenience. Secondly, she might not be that into you either and will hardly get her feelings trampled.

She’s probably suspicious of your feelings toward her roommate because she’s looking for an excuse to boot you.

Take your chances here. This girl you have a futuristic eye on could be the one for you. Your current girlfriend might be the one to catch her bouquet at your wedding. Okay, so that’s not likely, but crazier things have happened.

In the worst possible case you’ll be rejected by both, and they’ll have dual laughs at you when they hear your name. Big deal! I’m sure that’s complete consolation for your double rejection, right?

In a situation highly rewarding to your ego, they could end up fighting over you like the girls in the Miller Lite commercial. This is the least likely but it’s a chance worth taking.

Somewhere in the middle of these ridiculous, unlikely situations you might be making a great friend and finding a wonderful girlfriend.

Don’t listen to Morain if he tells you to date them both. Make a firm decision and act on it. This situation will build character and put some hair on your chest. Good luck.

Sincerely,

Kate Anderson