Speak Up! How To Share What *Really* Matters

Spilling about your problems and getting great advice are what true friendships are made of. Bu t when it comes to your crew, who should you trust with all of your truths?

- Annamarie Houlis And Sarah Wassner Flynn

Whether you surround yourself with a squad of close pals or simply stick to one or two true blues, having the support of friends is so important to your happiness.

After all, who else can lift you up on a bad day by filling your feed with hilarious GIFs—or help you bake a billion cupcakes the night before your big cheer fundraiser? But as awesome as they are, sometimes it’s smarter to pick and choose exactly whom you share the heavy or really personal stuff with.

No doubt, there are those buds who can handle just about anything you drop on them, comforting you with just the right wise words (or a solid shoulder to cry on). But then there are others who, while still great friends, just aren’t quite as equipped to handle that kind of emotional unloading. Here’s how to know for sure which friend should be your go-to confidant—and which ones are better at staying closer to the surface.

CHOOSE A FRIEND YOU CAN TRUST.

Your parents have been fighting like crazy lately and your big sister is gone all the time, so it feels like you’re all alone at home. You tell a girl in confidence how bad it’s been…and next thing you know, your entire crew knows every detail of your deal. What gives?

Maybe your girl was worried and reached out to the rest of your squad for support. But if you swore her to secrecy and she still spilled, then this bud can’t be trusted with your innermost thoughts.