This summer, I made out with a guy from camp. (It was my first make-out, I am 14) I didn't tell my best friend. I'm not sure exactly why, I didn't think she was going to judge me or anything. She would never do that. I just didn't want to risk anything being different. I didn't feel any different, and I didn't want her to either. I just wanted to be her best friend like always, and I didn't want anything to change.
Boy, how stupid was I. I knew that I needed to tell her, it's just not right to make-out with someone and not tell your best friend. I just wasn't quite sure how. 'Hey, by the way, I made out with a guy last month' doesn't quite roll off the tongue. I asked some of my other friends about it, and they gave my a pep talk about how I was going to tell her. Yet I chickened out. Over. And over. And over. The longer I waited, the worse it got. Finally, after not telling her for 4 months, I had just decided that we would both be better off if I just didn't tell her. So I decided not to. Thinking about the kiss wasn't a big deal to me. I never talked to the guy again after it happened, and it wasn't even fun. So I decided, why get myself into a mess with her when I could just let it go. So that's what I decided to do.

Until today. Five months after it happened. She found out. One of my other friends told her. I feel horrible about what I did. That was a huge mistake. She called me and told me that she knew about it. And, she knew that all my other friends knew. She was hurt that I couldn't find a way to tell her, especially since I told all my other friends. I don't know what to do. I tried to explain to her why I didn't tell her. Not that there's a good explanation, anyway. The problem is that she is the nicest person in the world. She is deeply saddened and hurt by what I did. But she's willing to forgive me. She is a very forgiving person, and no matter how bad someone hurts her she always finds a way to forgive them. I could just let her forgive me, and promise I will never keep a secret from her again. But I don't deserve that. I deserve all the shunning and hurt in the world. She is my best friend. I lied. I can't get off that easy. What should I do? Should I let her just forgive me? Even if she says she forgives me, I know the hurt will still be there. That isn't fair. Please, please help me!

You need to forgive yourself for not having the fortitude to tell her the truth. You screwed up and you're sorry. Her hurt feelings are hers, not yours. Deal with your own stuff and allow her to deal with hers in whatever way she chooses.

The interpersonal drama that can be created only distracts both of you from what needs to be done. Forgive and accept yourselves. The next problem is right around the corner. This one teaches what works, and what doesn't.

I guess teens have to tell everyone about their adventures, but some peope wish to keep parts of their personal life private also

You don't have to tell her anything you don't want to. You are entitled to your personal space whether it be your friend, best friend, husband or wife.

I agree with simoneaugie, your friend is willing to forgive you and that just proves she is your best friend. You need to just need to learn from your mistake so you can move on, perhaps build bridges by inviting her over for a girls chat, although you haven't spoke to the guy since if you tell your friend all the details like what he looked like and how it felt she will feel you have confided more in her

Let her forgive you. Don't be so hard on yourself just because you didn't feel comfortable telling her

Hey everyone sorry- this didn't really happen to me... but it happened to someone I know and I was wondering if there was any advice I could give her, or what it would be like from an outsiders prospective if this did happen. Thanks so much, though, I totally have a new view on the situation!