Be Honest with Your Friend

• This is a rule that applies to all aspects of friendship, not just dating. If you feel your friend dating the guy may be hard for you, explain this to her. Tell your friend you want her to be happy but that you also have feelings for the guy and are worried that the two of them dating might upset you. It's up to your friend how she handles the situation, but in being honest you give her the opportunity to be a good friend. If you are dating the guy and your friend reaches out to you for the same reason, consider how you'd feel if the tables were turned. If you decide you're both happy to date the same guy, continue to be honest with each other throughout the process. It may just be that you realize he isn't the guy for you anyway and you would prefer to just be his friend.
  
  

Don't Put Dating Before the Friendship

• If you and your friend have plans, stick to them. It's hard enough to date the same guy; if you begin breaking plans with your friend, this can add extra strain. If your dating plans clash, explain to the guy that you need to reschedule.
  
  

Consider the Friend's Feelings

• Don't do anything that you wouldn't appreciate someone doing to you. For example, If you know your friend and the guy are going to the park, give them the space they need to get to know each other. Don't turn up at the park and interrupt the date. When you're unsure of what to do, consider how the same thing would make you feel. If you're on a date with the guy and you run into your friend, never make a big deal of the fact that you're the one with the guy. This is likely to upset your friend and can make the guy feel uncomfortable. Don't post about your date on Facebook or Twitter; this is insensitive.
  
  

Consider His Feelings, Too

• If you and your friend decide that dating the same guy is not the right thing to do, be kind and considerate when explaining this. Don't simply break off contact with him.