Dear Pastor,

I met a man and we started a relationship. He had just graduated from university and he did not want to go back to rural Jamaica. He had nothing. He said that there was an opening for him to teach. I am a teacher myself. We talked it over and he decided to take the job. I was living at my parents' home. My parents were Christians so my boyfriend could not come there to live with me or even to spend a night.

I had a car so I would pick him up on my way to work, he would drop me off and take the car. That went on for about six months. Then I observed that there were times when I needed my car and I couldn't get it because he had to do something and needed the car. I objected and he started to complain and say that I was hard on him. When the car needed to be serviced I had to pay to get it done, so I demanded that he tell me what he did with his money. He accused me of being bossy and wanted to know everything. He said he had to pay his rent and light and water bills, but I didn't have those things to pay.

Then rumour had it that he had a girlfriend at the school he was working at. He denied it. By that time, I was carrying his child. When I was on leave, he was all over the place with his new girlfriend. I could not get my car. I was at home. When I had my baby and wanted to visit the doctor, he had the car so I asked him for the keys and, Pastor, would you believe that that brought an end to the relationship? He caused the girlfriend to believe that the car was his and even others at the school, so he was reluctant in giving up the car. Our relationship has broken up. I have my child and I am supporting him on my own. He is very ungrateful.

I am sure that his new girlfriend will soon find him out. Pastor, keep up the good work.

L.M

Dear L.M.,

Everybody makes mistake whether they are educated or uneducated. Evidently you made a mistake by being too kind to this young man. You tried to help him because you fell in love with him. Perhaps you were too generous and kind to him. You allowed him to use your car as if it were his own. And you know what? This guy didn't have any common sense. He should have been careful. He should have cooperated with you and always be there for you.

You were quite correct in taking your car. The truth is, this guy used you. I hope that he will support his child. Wish him well and be very careful in the future with whom you establish a relationship.

Pastor