I Need Advice

Okay, so, I have a best friend and a year or so ago, he came out to me and said he was bisexual. He told me really, honestly, not to tell anyone. I kept the promise, but I ride at a barn, and the girls there were teasing me about him liking me. So, I told them that he wasn't interested in me, especially because he felt attraction to guys as well. I thought it was okay, since it sort of got them off my back. Now, there's a horse show coming up in 3 days, and he and his family are coming to the show. As much as I can try, I don't think I can keep my friend and the other barn girls separated. I'm really afraid that they'll talk to him and tell him that I told them this stuff... when maybe I really shouldn't have. The guilt has been sort of eating me alive, and I'm getting mini-panic attacks over it. I don't have a legit excuse to say that he and his family can't come to the show, and they're coming to support me. I'm really worried that he'll get mad at me and stop being friends with me... I would understand it if he did, I just really don't want to lose him. What do you think I should do?

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MarkPaul · 26-30, M

Unfortunately, as we all must learn in life, some things just can't be fixed. Look, maybe it turns out it's not a big deal to the friend whose confidence she betrayed. Maybe the whole thing will just (magically) blow over. In the end, we all have our own way of expressing (or not expressing) our opinions, our grief, and our hidden motives and desires. It seems to me, showing each other mutual respect is more important that dictating a single way to speak at the risk of the person we are speaking with will walk away.

Finally, let's not treat age as some delicate and fragile condition that requires people who are "too young" or "too old" needing "special handling" out of an abundance of caution they will crumble by being confronted with the brutal and cold realities of life.

By the way, I have checked, considered, and reflected upon my feelings before hitting the "post comment" button and I genuinely intend no offense.