Since about September I have been falling in love with my best friend, Chris. Chris is funny and bright and has a great personality. We met a few years ago back in college and have been best friends ever since. In November we kissed for the first time, and before long he would spend the night about twice a week, would shower me with text messages and e-mails just and always made sure I knew he was thinking about me. He said he wanted me to be his girlfriend. I was thrilled, as I had been so into him for so long. We made such a great pair, it was like nothing I have ever experienced.
I waited anxiously for him to take that next step, something along the lines of a date, or at least just the two of us hanging out without either of our friends around. November turned into December which faded to January. He still gave me all the attention a boyfriend might, but he seemed terrified to take it to the next level. Why wouldn’t he ask me on a date? Then I found myself in February, falling for a guy who was into me one day, and seemed totally put off the next. I was so confused. I built up the courage to confront him about our stagnant romance, and his response was, “Yeah, I’m not really sure.” I was blown away, and though I still had feelings for Chris, I discontinued communication from that point on.
A few days later, I was set up on a date with another man, Mike. I felt badly about going out with someone else, but I forced myself to stomach the fact that Chris really wasn’t what I was looking for if he wasn’t ready to get serious. I took my feelings out of the equation and what was left of Chris and I was a few great hook-ups, some phones calls and texts. No reason for me not to go meet Mike.
Mike was charming, smart, witty and attentive. He is kind and gentle, and not in a mushy, sappy way that I have been known to run from screaming. He’s normal and funny and successful. Just the kind of guy I see myself with. Only one problem: He’s not Chris.
Chris found out from a mutual friend that I went out with Mike and was, from what I hear, visibly shook up. The next day, which just so happened to be Valentine’s Day (thanks for that little bit of awkwardness, calendar) Chris called me, asking me to go on a proper date with him on Friday. I was excited, but terrified, since I had already received a Happy Valentine’s Day text from Mike, asking me to see him again on Saturday.
Would I be stupid to give Chris another shot? Did my date with Mike light a fire under him to get serious, or did it simply excite him because one always wants what they can’t have?
Is taking that chance on Chris worth losing what could be great with Mike?
Is it wrong to go out with Mike again knowing that I still have these feelings for Chris?

– Mike, Chris, or neither?