Two close friends have fallen out and both want you to pick a side. What do you do?

A natural way to answer

I'd try to stay neutral without seeming like I don't care. I'd listen to each of them separately, let them vent, but make it clear I won't be a messenger or a judge. My hope would be to gently nudge them back together rather than fan the flames.

Key phrases to use

• dragged into — to be unwillingly involved in a conflict or situation“I don't want to be dragged into their argument.”
• take sides — to support one person against another in a disagreement“I refuse to take sides between my friends.”
• vent — to express strong feelings, especially anger or frustration, by talking“I let her vent without judging.”
• fan the flames — to make a conflict or bad situation worse“Taking sides would just fan the flames.”
• badmouth — to say critical or unkind things about someone, especially behind their back“I won't badmouth either of them.”
• throw one of them under the bus — to betray or sacrifice someone to protect yourself or please another“I'd never throw a friend under the bus.”