TELL FRIEND HER CRUSH ISN'T INTERESTED?

Dear Jellybean,

So, I have a situation. My best friend got me to find out from her long-time crush if he likes her. Because she thought he still did. Long story. He used to, but they hadn't seen eachother in a while and she thinks he still likes her. But he told me he doesn't. She really really likes him and I don't want to tell her he doesn't like her because she'll be completely crushed. But I don't want to lie either. I haven't told her yet, But I don't know what to do! Please help!

Dear Writer,

You have to tell her. Your friend asked you to find out if this guy likes her, and she wants to know the truth. Even if it's not the message she's hoping for. As her friend, you owe her honesty.

Think about what could happen if you don't tell her. She could find out from somebody else, or go after him and get rejected, or be shocked when she finds out her crush suddenly has a new girlfriend. In any of these situations, she'd be so upset that you never told her the truth, and she had to be surprised by it, possibly in an embarrassing way.

Of course your friend will be crushed when she learns he doesn't like her. But that's going to happen, guaranteed, one of these days. Better the news should come from someone she loves, who can deliver it kindly: Namely, you.

It's really hard to give a friend bad news. But this is part of what we sign on for, when we become true friends with someone. So take a deep breath, and tell your friend, "I'm really sorry, but it turns out, he's just not that into you." Then order up a pizza, turn on a Johnny Depp flick, and help her start getting over it.