Hanging out with single girlfriends can be so much fun, chatting about dates and partying together, just like in Sex and the City! But drinking cosmos together on a Saturday night could also end up being more drama than you intended. What if you flirt with the same guy? What if you flirt with a guy and he starts paying more attention to your mate than to you?

From interviewing hundreds of guys for my book The Guy Guide, I know many men use a particular strategy that can be really confusing for us women. If they see someone they are keen on, they start talking to her friend rather than her — to make the woman he's interested in more intrigued. It's devious, I know, especially if you are that girl getting used, but I have heard about this so many times I know it's a reality.

How do you handle when a man shows you interest, but 10 minutes later chats up your girlfriend? How is your friend supposed to act; is she stealing him from you if she accept his attention? Female solidarity can be tricky. So what is the etiquette in dating? How can you be a great friend to your girlfriends?

Support your friends and make them feel fabulous.When your friend says, "Oh, I look so tired today", tell her she looks amazing. Even if she feels tired, great looks can radiate from within, not just from the surface. If you convince your friends they are top chicks, they will feel like that as well.

Let everybody shine.If you go out with a group of mates, make sure you give everyone space. Avoid trying to be in the centre and get all the guys' attention. Be generous and introduce your friends to people. Let all the girls talk and be seen.

Stay away from your girlfriends' flirts.If your friend notices a hottie on the bar scene and decides to give him a go, don't do the same. Stay away from the guys your friends have their eyes on — don't try to get their attention. It may happen that he stares at you, but be a mate and don't look back. If you think he's the love of your life, sure, go ahead much later if your friend doesn't have much luck. But on that first night, step aside if one of your friends has started to flirt with him. Also, don't respond if he wants to add you on Facebook or stay in touch. He might want to play with you both, but you will need to choose between him and your girlfriend.

When your girlfriend has started dating someone, make sure you support her in a constructive way. Some people are single for years and they never figure out what they are doing wrong, because no-one wants to tell them. Friends often say, "Ah, you are a catch, it's the guys who are idiots." But that doesn't help your friend, if she in fact does something that is not serving her — such as always being too drunk, talking about exes on first dates or have bad breath. Sometimes a good friend needs to be honest.

Use your heart when supporting your friends and being on the dating scene at the same time. Men come and go, friends are for longer, at least if you treat them well. When you go out, focus on having friends with those who are close to you, instead of just ogling the hot boys in the room. That will make you a better friend, and also more attractive in the eyes of men. You seem less desperate and more interesting.