Dear Dr. Romance,

Should a man expect a woman to want to become involved with him when he is still best friends with is ex-lover--and he is a renter in her house? He claims it is all over between them, but I don't see how he or the ex-lover should expect a woman to feel comfortable fitting into this arrangement. Please, I would love some perspective.

Dear Reader:

There's a lot of information I need to know before I can advise you. If he and his ex have been done with their relationship for a long time, yes, it might be OK. Exes in themselves are not a threat -- it's the nature of the friendship with the ex that could be a problem. Do they still have a romantic/sexual relationship?

The fact that he's still friends with his ex actually could be a good thing -- it probably means he didn't do anything awful in that relationship. The question is, do you trust him? Do you know him well enough?

Take your time, go slowly, and make friends with her. If you're close to her, you'll be able to see what's going on. If you actually care about him, then it's worth it to check things out. If you don't like what he's doing, don't expect him to leave his ex or end the friendship. It won't happen, and he'll hate you for it. If you make him choose, you'll be the one to go.  "Handling The Green-Eyed Monster" will teach you everything you need to know about jealousy. "How to be Irresistible to Your Mate" and "No Cooperation? Solve it Yourself" will show you what to do to solve the problems.    How to Be a Couple and Still Be Free will teach you the skills you need to know to make your relationship a success.

C & F 3rd Ed cover

Author's Bio: 

Tina B. Tessina, Ph.D. is a licensed psychotherapist in S. California since 1978 with over 30 years experience in counseling individuals and couples and author of 13 books in 17 languages, including It Ends With You: Grow Up and Out of Dysfunction; The Unofficial Guide to Dating Again; Money, Sex and Kids: Stop Fighting About the Three Things That Can Ruin Your Marriage, The Commuter Marriage, and her newest, Love Styles: How to Celebrate Your Differences. She writes the “Dr. Romance” blog, and the “Happiness Tips from Tina” email newsletter.

Dr. Tessina, is CRO (Chief Romance Officer) for LoveForever.com, a website designed to strengthen relationships and guide couples through the various stages of their relationship with personalized tips, courses, and online couples counseling. Online, she’s known as “Dr. Romance” Dr. Tessina appears frequently on radio, and such TV shows as “Oprah”, “Larry King Live” and ABC News.