Dear Orlando,

I hooked up with a friend-of-a-friend a few weeks ago and now it’s awkward. We see each other all the time because we are both close with our mutual friend. He’s totally cute and I’m into him, but I’m not sure if I want to pursue anything more yet. Every time we hang out with our group of friends it’s kinda weird. How can I make this situation less awkward?

Yours,

Some Rando Chick

Dear Rando,

I’m sure your hookup is feeling just as awkward as you are. In this situation, humor can be really helpful. Next time you see him, say something like “hey remember that one time we hooked up and then pretended it never happened?” This will get the ball rolling on acknowledging that you’ve hooked up and bring it into the open. There’s no sense in feeling embarrassed about hooking up (Not that I’m condoning random hookups…be careful out there and always be SAFE!). In other news, you’re obviously compatible in some way if you share close friends, so keep your mind open to a more substantial relationship. You never know where things will lead but the best way to make sure things progress is to keep an open dialogue. Bottom line, say no to awkward by taking the lead in bringing things out into the open.

Lovebubbles,

Orlando