DEAR MASSI,

My closest friend is married and has been for a couple of years. However, she goes out sometimes and uses me as an excuse

I have had to lie on many occasions. It has become a normal thing between us and it came to a point where she didn't even have to tell me to 'cover' for her. I began feeling so guilty and have wished there was some way out of the situation. Whenever her husband rings up I have to lie and it makes me feel so bad all the time.

Her husband turned up at my house enquiring where his wife was.

I ended up making more excuses for her.

I just wish I could walk away from it all but I can't.

What can I do? PN, BURNLEY

MASSI SAYS,

I wish there was a quick fix to all of this but there isn't.

You must understand first your friend has been very selfish by using you and putting you into a tight spot. As she has been mooching around with some other bloke you have had to do all of the lying. If she was really your friend she wouldn't repeatedly put you into this spot all the time.

You should learn to say 'no' and let her know how you feel, because friend or not some people will get used to getting everything on a plate if it all comes easy. It's put more pressure on you and obviously your friendship has suffered.