Whenever I meet a new girl, I always try to be respectful as to whether or not she has a boyfriend, husband or is in any sort of romantic relationship. I don't like to pursue any woman who is with someone.

But one peculiar dilemma I have come across lately, are some women who have a close guy friend who is in love with her or just thinks of her as much more than a friend, but she has absolutely zero interest in him that way. In my experiences, these guys usually end up interfering and complicating things because they make her feel a sense of guilt or obligation to keep his approval, and I keep sensing the guy is jealous. Usually I will see these guys at the bar or when I pick her up, etc. One particular guy is 'just a roommate'. It's a really weird dynamic, and I have encountered at least a couple of girls I really like (and who also like me a lot) but I found out each has one of these sorts of 'white knights' in their life.

Aside from her parents, I don't know why a grown woman would need to feel accountable or controlled by some guy who isn't her husband or significant other.

Has anyone else been is a similar situation, and how do you deal with it?