ASK AMY

DEAR AMY: I am a 17-year-old high school senior girl, and the song "Teardrops on My Guitar" is basically the story of my life.

My best friend, "Jeremy," has been dating a girl for two months and says he's really in love this time.

Jeremy and I have been friends forever, and I have been his confidante throughout this and almost every other relationship he's been through. The girl he is dating is great, and he seems happy.

The only problem is that I think I'm in love with him. I don't want to say anything about it to him because he's in a great relationship, and I don't want to ruin our amazing friendship. I also don't think he feels the same way about me.

I've been struggling with this for months, and I have been hiding my feelings for the past two years.

Now I'm worried that with graduation approaching, he will never know how I feel.

We are going to colleges in different parts of the country, so we don't have much time together.

I don't want to make our friendship awkward by telling him, but I don't want to feel as if our entire high school friendship has been a lie because I never told him how I felt.

I know that the truth is always the best way to go, but there is a lot at stake for me. What should I do? -- Tear-stained Teen

DEAR TEEN: I've received a few letters from girls who identify with the popular song. For the three people who haven't heard the teen tearjerker, the lyrics are: "He's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar ..."

I agree with you that honesty is the best policy when it comes to relationships, but before being honest, you are going to have to dial down the drama and adjust your expectations accordingly.

It's OK to say, "You know, Jeremy, I can tell you're happy now, but I think you should know that I've had a crush on you. Anyway, I also want to say that I'm really glad we are friends."