Eligibility Circle

Opinion poll. Here are three somewhat recent scenarios in my life. I don't see the harm in any of them. It's DC. It's a small city. These things are bound to happen, and life should just progress onwards. I don't think familiarity should be a limiting factor when you're not dealing with serious emotional attachments or relationship history.

1. Break up with ex. At bar one night, run into someone I originally met MANY years ago through the ex. They're acquaintances. I don't really think they run in the same social circles, at least not frequently. We flirt. A lot. Ex already has a new girlfriend. There is no chance of a reunion between me and the ex. Do I assume the friend knows everything, or do I talk about it up front? Is the friend a viable candidate?

2. Hanging out with group of friends. One guy in group is being very flirtatious. He eventually asks for my number. I've dated one of his friends before. Never seriously, with mutual agreement that it wasn't going to go anywhere. Do I have to limit myself from going out with this guy because I've gone out with his friend? Should I be skeptical about his intentions (assuming guys talk)? Viable candidate?

3. Again, hanging out with a group of friends. End up talking to a guy who seems familiar, but can't place from where. We go through a list of people we know and places we typically go. Finally, we discover that he went on a few dates with a girlfriend of mine a while back, nothing serious. I know the girl is already smitten with somebody else. Viable candidate?

In Cookie's opinion, the only 'off-limit' candidates should be a) ex-boyfriends of your good friends; b) guys your friends have been smitten with for many years (with the caveat that a good friend would probably not prevent you from dating said guy if she knew he were smitten with you in the same way); and c) guys your friends are currently dating/pursuing.

Meh, what do I know?