Read This Checklist From Fellow Cosmo Readers for An Inter-Friend-Tion!

GFs are awesome! They're the ones you share movie marathons and margaritas with, discuss (endlessly) why that guy hasn't called, and the only ones who understand how 'this black dress' is sooo different from 'that' one. But sometimes, even the best bonds run into trouble, threatening to ruin your relationship. We're not gonna let that happen, which is why our panel is here to help fix even the most daunting pal problems!

PROBLEM 1

You borrow her pricey dress...and stain it!

Rhea - "Send it to the cleaners and tell her (don't keep it a secret)."

Ambica - "I'd take it to the cleaners and do whatever I can to remove the stain. Only when it's stain-free will I tell her that I dropped a removable something on it!"

Neha - "Try removing the stain, but if it doesn't happen, return the dress along with another one as a present."

PROBLEM 2

You like her ex

Akriti - "If the guy clearly reciprocates, I'd gauge if she has completely moved on or not before going any further. If not, there is an undocumented law against love triangles with a dear friend, so I'd run miles away."
Ambica - "This is forbidden territory for me, no matter what the reason for the breakup. So I'm going to suppress my feelings till they die!"

PROBLEM 3

She’s got a new BFF

Neha - "Priorities change with time for everyone. I'd understand. However, if she intentionally distances herself, I'd talk things out!"

Rhea - "Wish her well! Just because there's someone new in her life doesn't mean you'll lose your BFF status."
Ambica - "I'd 'joke' about how it bothers me that I'm being replaced. If that doesn't work, I'll just be honest about it before jealousy creeps in."

PROBLEM 4

You both want the same shoes/ guy/ job

Barsha - "I will let her have it and hunt for a better one!"

Neha - "I'm happy to be stiletto twins or colleagues. Friends make the best peers, anyway. As for wanting the same guy, depends on who the guy wants. If none of us are lucky enough, we'll giggle together!"

Akriti - "Shoes can be shared, guys shouldn't be. I'd let him go, as there is plenty of fish in the sea. About the job, may the best woman win."

PROBLEM 5

She needs a Style change

Ambica - "Say, 'I'm bored of my style and need a change'. Then visit the mall and suggest you both get makeovers."
Barsha - "Gift her vouchers from great fashion stores and go shopping together so you can suggest outfits."

PROBLEM 6

She’s dating an a-hole

Rhea - "Tell her! I'd advise her to have fun for a while, if she likes, but not to consider it seriously."
Neha - "Be honest with her. There is no other option. As a friend, it's your job to warn her if she is headed in the wrong direction."

PROBLEM 7

You’ve accidentally given away her secret

Ambica - "There's no way out of this. Own up immediately, and emphasise that it was not intentional. She'll take time trusting you again, but so be it."

Neha - "Oops! Make an honest confession instead of lying about it".

Akriti - "Apologise! Yes, it will cause ripples, but she'd much rather hear it from you rather than a third person."

PROBLEM 8

You’re always paying for her meals

Rhea - "Before you head out with her, casually mention that you'd like to go dutch."
Neha - "Frankly, if it causes more damage to my pocket than I can bear, I'd account for it and let her know her share. Alternatively, I'd offer to keep it a standard arrangement of splitting bills equally whenever we go out together."
Ambica - "Next time we go out and the bill comes, I'd ask her if we can split it as I'm falling short."

PROBLEM 9

She’s lying to You

Ambica - "I hate lies, so I'd be the one to bring it up, thus giving her a chance to come out with it."
Neha - "Confront her privately. Tell her you don't like being lied to, and would rather keep things transparent, regardless of the consequences."