I’m terrible for giving advice but I would not worry too much about what your friend thinks. The people who cohabit hsve their post and bills registered at the same address. Also a friend of a friend kicked the partner out and got help with benefits when she returned to work
The ex partner took out loans although he was not living there and hmrc found out and she lost her benefits. Don’t tell your friend too much about yourself as she might tell someone and they will report you because some people are programmed to be busy bodies need I say more