Though Benji Madden is supposedly coping well with his split from lady love of nine months Paris Hilton, his future sister-in-law hasn’t taken the news so lightly.

The former Simple Life starlet is doing everything in her power to keep tattooey unavailable - which has been nothing short of a challenge - while his ex determines whether or not to give it another try.

And if Paris does want to venture down that particular path again, she should scoot her caboose!

“(Richie) has been really possessive and stops him from talking to other girls,” a source who was present at the launch party for Good Charlotte’s new Greatest Remixes album divulged to Page Six. “Benji was approached by dozens of ladies. Girls were trying to flirt with him … but Nicole kept getting in the way.”

That tiny gal?

“(Richie) stopped every girl trying to take a photo of him (and) dragged him by the arm (away from the girls),” the source continued.

It’s been a bit fuzzy as to exactly why Hilton opted for the break, but a friend of the heiress’ recently helped to clarify:

“Paris wants to know if she absolutely can’t stand to be apart from him,” Gawker.com quoted the pal as saying. “That’s her test to make sure this is the guy for her. She has felt something she has never felt before with anyone with Benji, but needs to be 100 percent certain she is ready to be Mrs. Madden.”

Better put that thinking-cap into overdrive babe, this boy will not stay single for long!!

~Carolyn French~