If she has a cousin who's both gay, transgender and a crossdresser everything is alright. *cough*

Sometimes I just hate human interactions when it gets to dramas like the one you've been having. They're just stupid and so meaningless. Though I totally understand what you mean with not wanting to be the one who starts things, I have a serious case of fear of conflicts and not enough self esteem to confront people. So personally I don't think you're a coward (but everyone is different).