Dear pearsgent,

Involving friends in a couple's relationship may not be the best way to go. It can put them in an awkward position. It might lead them to think negatively about you or your girlfriend. They may not know what's going on, and even if they do, there is no guarantee that they will tell you the truth.

The only way to know if someone is cheating is to ask. When talking about cheating, it can be a good idea to avoid sounding like you're making an accusation. For instance, instead of saying "You're cheating on me, aren't you?" you can say something like, "I've got this feeling that you're interested in someone else. I hope it's not true."

Remember, any time you confront someone or discuss your feelings with somebody, you are taking a risk. You or your girlfriend could get hurt in the process, so you need to decide whether asking the question is important enough to you to be worth the risk.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.