As I read your question, I am thinking that this girl shouldn’t be considered a “best friend.” Real friends care about each other and don’t spread secrets, no matter how “juicy” they are. Spreading secrets is gossip and girls gossip because they want attention. There is almost no other time that people will listen more intently than to someone’s gossip. This is very sad because there is someone getting hurt, and in this case it was you.
If you feel you cannot trust your friend any longer, I suggest that you remain a friend to her and be polite, but don’t tell her things you don’t want everyone to know. Be a model for her and don’t listen to gossip from her, or anyone else. I know this is a big challenge. People may look at you funny when you stop them from talking about other people in a way you know will hurt their feelings, but it will be fun. Try giving them a silly face back and politely tell them you can’t listen to gossip! I wish I could be there. I know a Jr. High girl who plugs her ears with her fingers, sticks her tongue out, and says “la la la la la la” when someone starts gossiping. If she keeps this up, people will learn not to come to her with gossip.
I would also suggest that you find a Christian woman that you respect (your Mom would be ideal, but I realize that doesn’t work in all situations) and feel that you can share important secrets with. I had one in my life and she helped me survive my Jr. High and High school years. She was a safe place to share all of my problems and fears, and she gave me wisdom when I was facing tough times. If you do not have a woman in mind, ask your Sunday school teacher or pastor at church if they can help you find a woman who would be willing to spend time with you.
I challenge you to forgive your friend the wrong that she has done and also ask yourself if you need to ask for forgiveness for any wrong that you may have done. It is amazing how God can teach a lesson through gossip. He teaches us the importance of controlling our tongue and He shows us how important it is to be a good example to those around us.
