Secrets and Promises
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Question
Hello, I have a question. A good friend shared something with me about what she's going through in her life and asked me not to tell anyone. I promised her I wouldn't tell. But I keep thinking about her and what she's going through, and I'm not feeling well. I'm not eating, not sleeping, can't continue with my life, I feel nauseous, sometimes it's hard to breathe, and I feel I can't continue like this. I've really taken it personally and feel that if I share it with my mother, it will ease my burden. The question is: am I allowed to share it with my mother after promising her not to tell anyone?
Answer
Hello
Revealing a secret is forbidden as gossip.
However, if you are suffering from the matter, you are allowed to tell someone who does not know the friend and will not connect the story to her in any way.
But from the description of your stress, it seems the friend is going through something bad that can be helped. If indeed so, you are obligated to turn to someone who can help her, wisely and without revealing your part in the matter.