Past Control

My boyfriend of three years has always suspected that I had a sexual history with one of my male friends. I lied and said I didn't. (The sex was a one-time mistake, three years before I met my boyfriend.) The problem is, I have lunch with this friend two or three times a year to catch up (always in public places). So far, I've refused to stop seeing my friend, which hurts my boyfriend. Should I cut him off to spare my boyfriend's feelings?

--Just Friendly

Poor Booboo, does he have an ouchie day, two or three times a year, whenever you bring home mints from the Olive Garden? There's a telltale sign -- that you had lunch. Your boyfriend, like too many grown adults, is under the impression that life should always be one long Princess Cruise. Sure, he feels jealous (and apparently, that you're sleazy, trampy, and not to be trusted). Being jealous is human nature, and reflects insecurity on his part, which you shouldn't be catering to by cutting friends out of your life. Continue keeping mum about your sexual history, and help your boyfriend feel more secure by letting him know how hot and wonderful you find him, and by being touchy-feely, like you can't keep your hands off him. Of course, these tactics are most effective if you also avoid returning from lunches three days later, claiming to have escaped your kidnappers, the Mexican drug kingpins.