When she's the star... (Friends).

She's sweet, smart, pretty, super popular--and she's your BFF. Don't get caught in your friend's shadow. You can rock, too!

Face it--she's a mega-watt bulb, and everyone basks in her light. "My best friend Ashley is the coolest person. She's adorable, athletic, nice and an A student," says Christina, 15. "I am totally ashamed to admit it, but sometimes I get jealous. I'm proud of Ashley, and she's a great BFF but I know I'm not as pretty or popular. I try to tell myself, 'No big deal,' but it's not so easy. She just has so much going for her." You can relate? Here's how to handle being buds with Miss Everything.

BEST FRIENDS ARE FOREVER, RIGHT?

When you have an awesome BFF, it's tough not to be envious at times. It's only humna! But there are two things to remember. One, she's not competing with you--she's just being who she is. And, two, just because she's hot stuff, it doesn't mean you aren't!

DON'T DARE TO COMPARE It's easy to compare yourself to your all-star friend, but don't. When you measure yourself against someone else's looks, talents, skills, whatever, you can't win. Why? Because if you think, "If only I had her gorgeous hair," or, "If only I knew how to talk to people like she does," you're never going to feel that just being you is enough. The key to being friends with a superstar is to appreciate what you do have--and you have tons!

HOW TO DEAL, FOR REAL Make yourself stand out! A great way to polish your own star power is to find a new talent, skill or hobby that will increase your confidence. The better you feel about yourself, the easier it will be to be around your "flawless" BEF. Hey, why not try karate, pottery or tap dancing? Find something that makes you feel like a star. Take it from Christina: "Before I met my best friend, I didn't realize how insecure I was and how much I needed to appreciate who I am. Now, I feel like we both shine in our own ways!"

RELATED ARTICLE: BFF GIVEAWAY

What a trip!

Your BFF moved 3,000 miles away? Here's a great way to keep in touch. The Circle Journey (www.circlejourney.com) comes with a journal, envelopes, photo protectors and stickers. Jazz up the first page of the journal with pics, stickers, sketches, quotes and notes to your pal. Toss it in the mail for your BFF, and wait for her to send it back. It's an ongoing, back 'n' forth mode of creative communication! P.S. Want one? Be one of the first 25 entries mailed to Journal Journey, GL, 4517 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21214.

Secret Giveaway

Shhh! It's top-secret stuff

Busted again by Mr. 1-Have-Eyes-In-TheBack-Of-My-Head for passing notes class? Mom has a habit of snooping? Outsmart those nosy wanna-know-it-alls. Arm yourself with My Ultra Secret pen-Pal Stuff kit (Swingset Press), The kit has stationery, invisible ink pens and mini black lights Pen a pal with the invisible ink, and she'll. have no prob reading it with the black light The note-passing police will be baffled when they catch you with a blank piece of paper--because without the black light, that's all they'll see! Send your name and address to Top Secret, GL, 4517 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21214 by Jan. 17 for a chance to win one of 25 kits!

BFF DILEMMA OF THE MONTH I'm in a serious friendship triangle. One of my best friends says my other best friend has been spreading rumors about her.

I confronted a friend because another friend says she dissed her, and she denied it. How do I get to the bottom of it?

Whatever you do, don't get anyone else involved. Try to remain neutral until you can get an honest answer. If things worsen, remember that true friends don't lie to each other.

Kaitlyn, 11

Get details from each friend, like who said what to whom. Once you know more about what happened, it'll be easier to move on. Toll them you don't like it when they fight and remind them that friends tell each other the truth.

Amanda, 11

Ask each BFF what was said. If they are true friends, they will tell you honestly. Just try to trust your friends as best you can.

Natalie, 11

Sit down and talk to both of your friends at the same time, and try to get them to work out their situation. Let them know both their friendships are really important to you, and that spreading rumors about each other isn't cool and upsets you.

Danielle, 12

Invite them both or a sleepover, and ask them about the rumors. Tell your friends you just want the truth. You could add that maybe they could try to get along because they're both your good friends.

Shawna, 13