Whirl with a bad girl: staying on the straight and narrow when your BFF is a roaring rebel ...

There's a golden rule when it comes to gal pals: Always have at least one feisty friend. Life's never dull with a sassy chica, and a friendship with her can be an adventure. However, sometimes a brazen BFF is so bold, brash and fearless that her naughty behavior threatens to get you both in deep trouble. If your BFF is spurring second thoughts instead of spirited talks, it might be time to take a second look at this best bud sitch.

BAD TO THE BONE

Not sure how to tell if your friend is a girl gone wild? Here are a few clues: She smokes; she's gotten drunk a couple times; her idea of fun runs along the lines of using the sticky-finger discount to get new stuff. Maybe she even sneaks out at night or has smooched more than her fair share of guys. All you know is, there's no rule she's afraid to thumb her nose at. So if you know she's walking in the danger zone, why do you still adore your bad-news bud? GL reveals her appeal, shows you how to tell a felon from a fake, and helps you figure out if you should ride the wave of your friend's bravado or wave her good-bye.

THE REBEL YELL 

First, consider if your bud's tough talk is just that--talk. Maybe she's just trying to nab some attention. You've seen her in a situation where she really had to choose between right and wrong, and she was super straight-o. But if you know your daredevil friend is a magnet for trouble and you're still drawn to her, it's time to put yourself in check. Could it be ...

The popularity thing? Hmm ... maybe your girl's high profile makes you popular by association. It's true that some girls are popular for their rule-bending, wild-child ways. But if you're tagging along for the adoration you get by being her bud, eventually people will see that you're just a hanger-on. Be yourself from the get-go so popular by association doesn't turn into guilt by association.

She's just a cool chick? You don't always condone her outrageous behavior, but she's a truly loyal friend. In that case, keep your pal at arm's length--only hang with her at school or your house. That way, you can have a lab time catching up on all her naughty escapades without putting yourself in a compromising position ("Officer, I swear I didn't know she lifted those sunglasses!").

You've got a little bad-girl streak? It's normal to go through phases where you want to live on the edge. But if you want spice and spontaneity, think constructive--not destructive. Rather than cutting class to hang behind 7-Eleven, be a weekend warrior. Make a list of crazy-cool things you wanna try--the rock-climbing wall at the mall, a triple flip off the fee's high dive, the skate park's steepest half pipe. Snip your list into strips, and throw 'em in a box. When an all-snore Saturday rolls around, pull out one slip ... and do it!

You're looking to "save" her? You think you can turn her into ... well, you. Whoa! Slow down, buckaroo. It's totally not your job to attempt a best-bud overhaul. But if your bud's behavior seems like it could land her in the county jail (or the hospital), call in the cavalry. Get your morn, guidance counselor or anyone more qualified than you on the case--make an adult aware of the fact that your friend's lack of limits scares you. Be prepared for your bud to feel betrayed, but know you did the right thing.

BUH-BYE

As long as she's clear there are lines you won't cross, befriending a bad girl can be one of life's guilty pleasures. But if your so-called friend pressures you to take a walk on the wild side, it's best to let this relationship run its course. A friend who takes you down with her isn't a true friend anyway. She's what we'd call one dud of a bud. Adios, ex-amigo!