DEAR ABBY: I'm 30 years old and have been in love with my best friend since childhood. I'm afraid if I tell her how I feel, I'll lose our friendship. Should I take a chance and tell her? -- SHY LESBIAN IN MICHIGAN
DEAR SHY LESBIAN: Yes, tell her how you feel. If that's the end of your friendship, it would be better for you than what you're experiencing now. If your friendship is strong, it should survive even if your romantic feelings are not reciprocated. If your friend doesn't share your feelings, you will then have to decide whether hurting inside the way you are is emotionally healthy for you.