DEAR ABBY: My best friend, "Tammy," and her husband, "Barry," are separated. I am close to both of them and have tried my best to remain neutral. However, Barry keeps calling and asking me what Tammy says about him -- but says I shouldn't tell her he's asking. I feel stuck in the middle.
Barry went out with my boyfriend and me recently, and announced that he has always had a crush on me -- then he asked me if I would leave town with him. My boyfriend got furious. I tried to blame it on the fact that Barry was intoxicated, but the next morning he phoned and said he meant every word.
Should I tell Tammy and cause her more pain, or should I try to "forget" that Barry came on to me? -- JOAN IN OKLAHOMA
DEAR JOAN: Tell Tammy that Barry is having a rough time with their separation, and quote chapter and verse. She is your best friend and she needs to know.
Barry is a mess right now. He needs emotional support, but you are not the person from whom he should get it. He needs a therapist. Be a friend and tell him so.