The friendship test.

I think my friends might be using me. They ask for money every day, and after I give it to them they go, "You're the best!" Then, on projects and stuff, they copy off my paper. When I say "no," they just go, "Geez, you're so mean!" It hurts my feelings. How can I confront them about this?

While friends do favors for each other, whether it's paying for an ice cream cone or helping with homework, favors are supposed to go two ways. Your friends are taking advantage of your aim to please. While it must be gratifying to hear how great you are, it shouldn't happen just because of your handouts. Asking for money and copying your schoolwork is too much, and they shouldn't diss you when you draw the line. Put your foot down. You can't be walked on, even by people you think are friends. Next time one of them asks for money, lightheartedly say, "I would, but my allowance doesn't really cover everyone." Sound confident when you refuse their demands. If they don't quit sponging off you, look for new friends who ask only for your friendship--not money or homework answers.

I have a crush on this guy, but there's a problem. He's my dad's new wife's son. We're not really related, except by marriage. He likes me, too, and makes me laugh all the time. What do I do?

Seems girls always want the guys they can't have. Sometimes, this means the rebel rocker; other times, he's the guy your best friend has a crush on. In your case, he's your stepbrother. No, your crush isn't blood-related, but you guys are bound as family members, which puts you in a tight spot. While it's great your crush has you bursting with laughter, it's unlikely things will end up all happily-ever-after. Do you really want to be related (yes, he is your relative) to your ex? Imagine how uncomfortable it would make family dinners, birthdays, holidays--get the picture? Romance with a step-sib is off-limits and for good reasons. But don't despair. You'll get over your crush and have a great bud to keep you laughing when you're forced to attend boring family stuff. Stop thinking of him as BF material, and look at him as your cool new brother instead.

My BFF and I hang in different groups. Whenever I make plans with my friends, she asks why I don't want to hang out with her. She's not the problem--it's the girls she hangs out with. What should I tell her?

"I don't like hanging out with your group because your friends are the worst," would come across as harsh. Instead, explain to your BFF that you love spending time with her but having your own group of friends is important to you. Not spending every moment together shouldn't damage your relationship. In fact, it could strengthen it. By planning quality, one-on-one time, you two are likely to really appreciate and enjoy each other's company rather than wasting time over silly stuff. If being BFFs and sticking to your own circles works for you two, fab! Otherwise, is there room for compromise? Do you like any of her friends? How about inviting her to hang with your crew this weekend? Worth a go, don't you think?

Two of my buds always fight and want me to choose sides. When I tell them to work it out on their own, they get mad and tell me, "If you were really my friend, you'd take my side." They're both great friends, and I don't want to lose either of them. Help!

Ugh. Friendship triangles can be complicated. And if you were to get involved in their spats, it would only further complicate things. No matter what, keep refusing to take sides. Let them know you are friends with both of them and do not want to get involved in their tiffs. Tell them it's unfair to put you in that position, and that you would really appreciate it if they would understand that. If they keep pressuring you, declare in a joking but firm manner that you are Switzerland--you're the neutral party and won't choose sides!