Bud boundaries: nothing's better than a BFE ... but what would you do if your friend were stepping out of bounds big-time?

Face it--friendship is great, but it takes work. The people you adore the most can also hurt you the most. Mix-ups and misunderstandings do happen. But when do you forgive and when do you get furious? Figure it out by testing your BFF maintenance skills.

1 History is your BFF's worst subject, but she's gotta pass or her parents will totally ground her. She begs you to help her cheat on the midterm. You ...

A) help her cheat. She'd do the same for you, right? B) get completely offended and consider her history. C) refuse to cheat but help her cram the night before.

ANSWER: C Friends can go too far when asking for favors, especially when they're stressed. Don't be put off--just reel your friend back to reality by helping her pass the final, fair and square.

DRAW THE LINE IF ... your BFF tries to intimidate you into cheating. Don't fall for the old, "If you're a true friend," thing. If she's a true friend, she won't expect you to compromise your values.

2 Your BFF just got her first-ever boyfriend. Suddenly, she doesn't seem to have a single moment to hang out with you anymore. You ...

A) corner her in the library and demand she stop dissing you. B) give her time--she'll come around when the novelty wears off. C) find a new best friend and flaunt it in her face.

ANSWER: B Your friend is charting major new territory, and she probably needs some time to adjust. She'll more than likely be back to her old self before you know it--and she should appreciate that you've been so cool about it.

DRAW THE LINE IF ... the pattern continues, and your friend only calls you when she is in between boyfriends. If she's only hanging when she has nothing "better" to do, then move on. You deserve a BFF, not a fair-weather, whenever friend.

3 You're wearing a pink, sequined top to the V-Day dance. You've raved about it to your BFF ... who then shows up at the dance with the exact same top! 'I knew you'd be surprised!" she chirps cheerily, but smoke is curling out of your ears. You ...

A) take her aside at some point to let her know you really wanted your outfit to be unique. B) make sure everyone else knows she's the copycat. C) remain at least 50 feet away from her at all times.

ANSWER: A After you've made a few rounds on the dance floor and had a chance to cool off, you'll probably remember that clothing is not a good reason to ditch a friendship. So your friend thinks she's your long-lost twin.... In 20 years, her enthusiasm will seem cute (promise). Don't let it destroy your dance experience, and don't draw even more attention to the clone zone by making a big deal of it.

DRAW THE LINE IF ... she goes all Mary-Kate and Ashley on you all the time. Understand, though, that if she's doing that, it's probably just insecurity, not meanness. So help her find her own sense of style by letting her tag along with you next time you hit the mall. Then you'll have the chance to help her find her own unique style.

4 You hear some juniors are throwing a St. Patty's party. You and your bud so want to be invited, but the wish only comes half-true--she's invited, you're not. And she plans to go! You're green with envy--and feeling dissed. You ...

A) tell her that, if she goes, you'll never speak to her again. B) say nothing, but stay mad at her for weeks. C) can't quite blame her. Who are you kidding? In her place, you'd attend in a sec.

ANSWER: C You and your bud don't need to be attached to each other 24/7. Being a friend often means letting a pal do her own thing. Besides, what kind of bud would you be if you were to deny your friend this opp just because you got dissed on the invite?

DRAW THE LINE IF ... she's always willing to ditch you for other people and other plans. If she seems to prefer her new buds over you, have a talk about what the friendship means to her. You don't have to do everything together, but being a BFF should place you pretty close to the top of her priority list.

5 A rumor is spreading that you're crazy about the cute new guy in homeroom. It's totally true, but you didn't want anyone to know! Even worse? You hear your BFF is the one who got this gossip going. She is the only one you told. You ...

A) end the friendship. Who needs a pal who can't zip her lip? B) start a rumor about her. C) ask her for the facts. You know how unreliable the rumor mill is.

ANSWER: C The situation seems bad now, but think of how much worse it would be if you were to end a friendship over false information. It could be a rumor that your friend started the rumor. It's worth double-checking.

DRAW THE LINE IF ... you find out for sure she did ignite the gossip. But get details. There might be a reason behind it, or perhaps it was a mistake on her part (secrets do slip). If it turns out she intentionally spread the word? Time to re-evaluate the relationship.

6 Your friend raves about your new Outkast CD, and all she wants to do is groove to it. The morning after a sleepover at your house, you suddenly can't find it anywhere. You ...

A) flat-out accuse her of being a thief and demand she return the CD. B) ask if she's seen your CD. If not, she'll probably help you look for it. C) tell yourself she'd never steal from you. There must be some other explanation.

ANSWER: C Imagine the fallout if you were to accuse your BFF of stealing your CD and then later find out your sister borrowed it! Having a BFF means trusting her--specially if she's never given you reason to think she would steal. It will likely turn up when you least expect it, so back off this one.

DRAW THE LINE IF ... you spot the CD in her room. A dishonest gal could be using you for what you have. But be realistic--friends mess up. She's not perfect, but neither are you. And ya never know when you'll need forgiveness!