Gotcha covered: you've got your BFF's back 24/7, right? So when is it cool to slide your girl an alibi--and when is it not?

Telling a fib to help your bud wiggle out of a sticky sitch is totally a no-brainer, right? Wrong! Covering for your bud can be harmless ... sometimes. Other times, it can land you both up to your ears in big trouble.

THE NO-SHAME GAME

Your BFF Jen was hangin' at your locker, chatting about how cute her secret crush Zach looked lacing up his Air Force Ones in gym. You didn't know mean-girl Tiffany was eavesdropping--'til she told the whole school about your convo! Jen's beyond embarrassed. In a jam like this, it's certainly OK to help your girl save face.

Get the word out, loud and proud, and let all the gossip lovin' gals know not to believe everything that comes across the rumor wire: "Word is that Tiffany's repeating stuff she thinks she heard Jen and me talking about. She's got it wrong. Of course, Jen does think Zach's a great guy, but I'll leave it at that." Then let the grapevine do its stuff. In a jiffy, your direct approach should stop the talk in its tracks, plus let Zach know your girl thinks he's very groovy (in a way that isn't goony).

WHEN TO KEEP IT REAL

Sometimes, having your bud's back isn't what's best for her--or you. Say your BFF Eva asks you to tell her mom she's at your house when she's really at the movies with Seth, the older guy she's not allowed to date. Should you go there? Nope. How come? Eva's mom has the right to set her own parental rules--it's so not your biz. Plus, if you get caught lying for your girl, Eva gets grounded, and her mom will see her (and you) as way untrustworthy. Your smart move? Show your loyalty by telling Eva, "Sorry, can't do it--it could get both of us in tons of trouble."

LISTEN TO YOUR GUT

How you feel about a sitch is way, crucial. If the little voice inside you is screamin' that covering for your friend isn't the right thing to do, it probably' isn't--so definitely don't do it. You've got to be true to you. A real friend won't ever pressure you into doing something you feel creepy about. If your bud freaks when you lay, the "honesty is the best policy" deal on her, stand your ground.

TALKIN' IS ROCKIN'

Cut confusion by keeping the info flowin' at all times. Be upfront about your take on the whole alibi vibe. You may not see eye to eye 100 percent of the time, but if you know each other's comfort zones, neither of you will get put in an icky sitch. The bottom line is that to be a great BFF, you must show respect--for your bud and for yourself.