Gettin' outta hot water: whether you're treading lightly or in way over your head, we show you how to burst that big ol' bubble known as trouble.

Has your BFF ever iced you out because you let a secret slip? Ever told your morn you were going to the movies (G-rated) when you were really going to a party (with seniors) and then been blatantly busted? Totally spaced on a friend's b-day? Ugh. That sinking feeling that spells t-r-o-u-b-l-e. Never fear ... for following these five post-disaster strategies can help you resolve the stickiest of situations.

1. TRUE CONFESSIONS 

You're guilty and you know it? Sorry, but ignoring the issue won't make it go away. When you mess up, you've got to 'fess up. Sure, it's definitely tough to tell a very angry parental unit that you were at a party Friday night, not the late-night showing of Scooby-Doo 2. But if you think Mom's mad now, trust us when we tell you that lying about it will only make things worse.

Completely forgot a bud's birthday? Don't cover by coming up with some silly excuse and makeshift gift. She'll ultimately have a whole lot more respect for you if you show some integrity rather than how well you can pull off a last-minute present and computer-generated greeting card.

2. DAMAGE CONTROL

'Fessing up definitely takes guts, no doubt. But don't expect to be in the clear just yet. Even if you're looking at a string of Friday nights watching Full House reruns with your little sister, if you did the crime, you've got to do the time.

You spilled about your BFF's top-secret romantic rendezvous (you were about to explode!), and now she won't save you a spot at the lunch table? Can't blame her. So suck it up. For now.

3. WAVE THE WHITE FLAG

Since you can't undo a mistake (as much as you'd love to press "rewind"), it's time to apologize. And don't just say it--show it. Offer up a gesture that genuinely demonstrates your regret. This is your shot at making amends. Nothing says "sorry" like a little extra effort.

What to do? Be creative! Give your friend a "month of birthdays" by doing something special for her every Saturday for four weeks. Granted, this won't erase your blowing off the big day, but it may pave the way for forgiveness. Likewise, voluntarily taking on more chores around the house might show the folks that, yes, you messed up, but you can be mature and responsible.

4. THE WAITING GAME

Parents keeping you on a short leash? Still feeling the chill in the caf? After a screw-up, it might seem like life will never get back to normal again. It may take time to prove yourself again and reinstate other people's trust in you.

The key is to give the person you wronged some time and space. Let the storm blow over. Those who care about you will almost always be willing to give you a second chance--but forgiveness doesn't always happen overnight. People need time to get over their anger and disappointment. Patience!

5. LIVE AND LEARN

What's the point in working your way out of a pickle if you don't learn from your mistakes? There's always a lesson in there somewhere, so take note (no blabbing secrets, no lying to the 'rents about where you're going and, hmm, maybe this is the year to invest in a calendar to keep b-days straight!).

And when you mess up again (oh, and you will--after all, you're only human), remind yourself that at least now you know how to accept the consequences like a sport.