How do I react to a friend lying to me about being abused?

You should just ask him straight up if he's telling the truth. If he says yes. Then he is, its that simple. Unless he's just saying he gets beat up to make people have sympathy for him. Other wise, its not really your business, and from the note, he kind of sneaks that by, but friendlier as in saying, "I don't want you to get hurt...." So I don't think he wants you to really speak of it anymore. I have some abusive past experiences that I shared with a mate, and every time she brought it up, I'd get a bit embarred and I'd think, why did I even tell her? He has his problems, you have yours. I wish you all the best! And I hope I helped! :)-e