Meddling friend impedes romance

DEAR HARRIETTE: There’s a guy I like. We’ve spent time around each other in group settings, and he seems like someone worth exploring. There’s chemistry between us; we flirt often, but part of me is afraid to cross the line. The complication is that we have a mutual friend who can be incredibly nosy and invasive. This friend has a habit of inserting herself into other people’s romances — asking overly personal questions, sharing information that isn’t hers to share and trying to be a mediator when no one asks. I worry that if I choose to explore things further, it wouldn’t feel private. I don’t want every date, milestone or disagreement to be shared with someone who is our friend but really is just keen on meddling.