DEAR HARRIETTE: My best friend wants to apologize for hurting me by stealing my boyfriend. The betrayal and pain caused by her actions have deeply affected me, and I am struggling to come to terms with the situation. While I appreciate her desire to apologize, the hurt and betrayal I feel are still raw and present. I want to find a way to heal from this experience and potentially mend our friendship, but I am unsure of how to move forward in a way that honors my feelings and self-respect. I really don’t know what to do anymore. I hope you can help me find the solution to this situation. -- Betrayal Vs. Friendship
DEAR BETRAYAL VS FRIENDSHIP: Your “best friend” needs to back off. You need time to process what happened and deal with your own feelings. Yes, she feels guilty -- as she should. She should wait. Tell her that you are questioning how she can actually be your best friend and violate your friendship in that way. What does she have to say about that? Two people you love have turned their backs on you. That is not something that is easy to get over.
If your friendship can be mended, it will happen with time. You cannot rush it. When you are ready to listen to her, let her know. But truly do not feel any pressure to have that tete-a-tete anytime soon.