Bruce Cameron

Editor’s Note: The following column was originally published in 2009.

I am one of those people who consistently makes the mistake of believing that friends of mine would enjoy being friends with each other.

Recently, I set two people up on a blind date. Her name is Natalie, and his is Brad. Naturally, I called the next day, and reached Natalie first.

Me: So what did you think of Brad?

Natalie: Oh, God, I don’t know. I mean, he seemed nice enough, you know? But as we were sitting there talking, I couldn’t help but think of how much he looks like my ex-boyfriend Paul — not the most recent Paul,...