Watch your back! Ouch! It hurts when a BFF stabs you in the back. (Friends).

You've got your BFF's back and she's got yours. After years of pinkie swears and PJ parties, you'd expect nothing less. Until--horror of horrors!--you find out your BFF stabbed you in the back. Nothing hurts worse than finding out your true-blue isn't so true. What's a girl to do? Take a deep breath, get your bearings and read....

CONSIDER THE SOURCE Do you know your friend stabbed you in the back, or did you hear about it? Before your emotions run wild with your imagination, remember that you can't believe everything you hear. Like, did the Goddess of Gossip serve you up some story sprinkled with fuzzy details? Does your informative "friend" have something to gain by sabotaging you or your BFF? If there's a chance the info is tainted, put on the brakes before charging a potentially innocent BFF. She could be a victim of that never-ending rumor mill. Get all the facts before you react.

THE SEVERITY OF YOUR DISCOVERY? Without a doubt, the truth is out. You know from an ultra-reliable source that your friend went behind your back and dissed you. But how bad is it, really? Say you found out your BFF told the whole crew your spiky new bangs are gonna have to grow on her--and just that morning she told you they were absolutely fab! So she wasn't super-straight with you. But is her lukewarm opinion of your new 'do worth splitting hairs over? Probably not. On the other hand, if she's sweet as can be to your face but behind your back spreads flail-out lies, discredits your rep or says seriously not-so-nice stuff, it's time for a confrontation.

BFF CONFRONTATION 101 So hopping mad you could spit fire? Write your BFF a note--it lessens the chance of shooting off harsh words you might later regret. Even if you decide not to deliver the letter, writing allows you to sort through your true feelings. Or simply give her a note that says you need to get together for a chat. It is best to talk face to face--and in private! This is between you and your bud only--you guys do not need an audience. Without blaming, calmly explain why you're upset. Once you've stated your case, let her respond. No interrupting.

If you're satisfied with her explanation and she's genuinely apologetic, let it go. If she mumbles and grumbles and chokes on lame excuses or admits to dicing you, it's your call. Forgive her...or forget her? You don't have to decide at that moment. Give her the verdict when you're ready. Anyway you slice it, back-stabbing is hurtful, deceitful and disloyal. But if anything good can come from this, you'll stick to watching your buds' backs, rather than stabbing.

RELATED ARTICLE: BFF GIVEAWAY

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BFF DILEMMA OF THE MONTH

My BFF asked my crush on a date, and they went out! I'm so upset, and my BFF doesn't even understand why.

My crush and I haven't been on a real date, yet. But, we talk a lot and even slow-danced twice! Isn't he off-limits to my BFF!?

Dues your BFF realize how important your crush is to you? Have a heart-to-heart and explain your feelings for him. If she doesn't hack off, decide if your crush or your friendship is more important. Maybe she's not your BFF after all.

--Jaclyn, 11

Talk to your friend, and make sure she knows the deal with you and your crush. Chances are he's a player and, if she wants to remain a friend, she should step off.

--Dara, 11

Explain to her how you feel about your crush. It might not change her feelings for your crush, hut at least you'll get your feelings across. Then, go for a different guy. There are tons of guys who wouldn't get between friends.

--Leslie, 14

Tell your friend how you feel about everything. Ask her how she'd feel if you did the same thing to her. Let her know you're still her friend, hut she needs to be more considerate about your feelings.

--Alyson, 12

Maybe your friend didn't know you really like him. Definitely talk to her about it. Maybe there was a misunderstanding--a good friendship shouldn't be lost over a mix-up. Even if you are upset, you should never lose a good friend over a guy.

--Angie, 12