Backseat BFF: it's finally summer, and you always spend it with your BFF! Too bad she's got a new crew....

Maybe your BFF has double-duty with her dad during the summer and has rounded up new buds from his 'hood. Or perhaps she's spending most of her time with her drama day-camp pals. When your friend is in a seasonal social whirlwind, you can end up with a lot of free space on your calendar. Don't sweat it....

YA CHOOSE, YA LOSE If you start blowing off your bud just because of her new social circle, then you are the one who is betraying the friendship. Your BFF has the right to have other friends. So accept the new people in her life, and do your best not to get jealous of every new person she meets. The truth is, if she's a true-blue bud, she's not gonna drop you just because she hangs out with other people now and then.

IN HER CORNER Rather than sulking and feeling totally threatened by your pal's posse, share her excitement about her newfound friendships. You know what? She's probably meeting a bunch of people who share her interests, and that rocks. If you attempt to keep her all to yourself, she's gonna feel pressured and will likely back away--and then you'll see even less of her. Friendships need flexibility and room to breathe to stay solid. So be supportive and give her room to have new experiences.

MAKE A DATE Set up specific hang time with your bud. Break out your planners and pencil each other in for some one-on-one. If she's super busy, squeeze in time doing things you have to get done anyway, like go together for haircuts.

PRESSURE'S OFF Keep in mind that your friend is not deliberately leaving you in the dust--she's just tied up with other stuff for now. So instead of dwelling on your absentee bud, make it your mission to have a slammin' summer. Get involved in some activities of your own. Crank out some homemade mint chocolate chip ice-cream. Find a sunny spot in the yard and plant an herb garden. Sign up for tennis lessons. Hey, maybe you'll meet a doubles partner. Love!