What to do when your mate confides in you.

Do Listen
When a mate tells you a secret, it means they need to get something off their chest, but they need to tell it someone they trust. The best thing you can do is listen to what she says.

Don’t tell anyone
A secret is a secret because not everyone knows about it! So however juicy the information is and however tempting it is to go and tell your other bezzie mate, don’t do it! Keep schtum.

Do try to understand
Think about what it must be like for your mate. Try to imagine how you might feel if you were in her situation.

Don’t judge her
Remember, you’re not the one in the situation, so you don’t really know what it’s like. Your job as a friend is to listen. If she thought you’d think less of her, she probably wouldn’t be telling you.

Do be a shoulder to cry on if need be
If she needs a good cry then be there for her. Don’t pry too much if she don’t want to talk, and let her tell you as much as she’s comfortable with.

Don’t lecture her
If she asks you for advice, tell her what you might do in her situation, rather than telling her what you think she should do.

Do offer to help
If you are worried about her or you think she needs help, tell her what you think. Even if she has sworn you to secrecy, if you think she might put herself in danger, encourage her to talk to someone she trusts, or you could confide in an adult you trust.

Being Girl