well, how about not involving yourself with the others' drama? if its got nothing to do with you, then dont let others drag you into it and make you a part of it. Not only that, but if it comes to mates, then i'd say allow better people into your heart, you always seem to be disappointed in them after all is said and done, but it was your choice to allow them in when you didnt really know them as well as you should have. I seem to be a manipulative asshole to some, but what im really doing is testing the waters to see what kinda people im surrounded by. that "Manipulation" has helped me pick out a lot of really good friends, like you. ^^ *licks*

It all comes down to judgment. learn how your friends work, what makes them tick, how their personality works in any situation...thats how Fluffy and I have been together now almost 2 years ^^