G’morning, DateSpacers. You’ll notice the above headline is also the nickname for Wrigley Field. So, happy Opening Day (even though Boston and Oakland opened in Japan and Washington/Atlanta played last night…). Here’s a fascinating question from Cara in Forest Hills: “I’ve been dating this guy for a little while, but I found out that I actually like his friend more. And I think his friend likes me, too. Am I allowed to break up with the guy and date his friend?”

As with most of our answers, it depends on certain factors, Cara. Sure, anything is possible if you want it to happen. But we’re going to put the likelihood that his friend is going to want to date you at slim to none. Why? Because no one wants to end a friendship over a girl/guy (this applies to both sexes as well as sexual orientations). You’ve heard those old adages of “bros before…” and “chicks before…” One of our staff members mentioned that not once, but twice did he go on a few dates with a girl, who ended things and then ended up dating his friend. Yet the same staff member said that he was still friends with the guy. So, as we said, it’s possible for you to break it off with the guy and date his friend. But it may cause a serious rift and some awkwardness that could damage your new relationship.

There’s also the time factor. We’ve heard some great marriage tales of people dating someone they met years ago who was a friend of someone they dated back in the day. We’re not saying that you should wait five years before starting things up with this guy, but maybe you want to wait a little while before moving ahead. Just remember that if things do work out, you’ll have to see that “ex” over and over again.

One more thought: unless you and the person you want to date don’t mind seriously hurting some feelings and ruining some friendships, if you’ve been in a relationship for much longer than Cara has - say, for a year or more - then we wish you luck.

Here’s a forum on the subject. And Dearcupid.org has a good set of questions to ask yourself before moving ahead, but it’s from the perspective of a girl who likes her friend’s boyfriend. Dearsugar says don’t even think about it.