Dear Panel,

I am a senior in high school, female, and confused. I'm 5'2", blonde, and a cheerleader. I enjoy being independent, but sometimes I find I miss the company of someone. I wanna date different people. But some of the people that I wanna date cause a big commotion. I also hate for people to be the least bit mad at me.

Riley's very jealous and controlling, but one of the sweetest, most thoughtful guys you'll ever meet.

Mark is one of the greatest guys. He's a great listener and he's always been there when I needed him to be. He's funny and we have a lot in common.

Riley and me had been going out for a while, and I called it quits. We are still friends though (hard to believe). Me and Mark have been friends for about 6 months. ( He's also Riley's BEST friend).

Our youth group went on a trip for a week. We talked a lot on the trip and became even closer. And when we got back Mark, me, and 2 other friends went to a movie, but not as a date.

We weren't gonna hide this from Riley, but he got really mad and it nearly ruined their relationship.

But me and Mark are still really close. And I don't want a serious relationship with him, I just wanna know what it would be like to date him a time or two. To see if the friend relationship could be more. And I think that he might want the same thing.

Should I go out with Mark (my ex's best friend) if he asks?

Female, age 17, America

Annie, Carl, Mamala, and Buddy answer this question.