I am writing to you from Clarendon. I have a problem. I have a girlfriend. She is 19 and I am 21. She is not working, so I am supporting her. I don't mind because I love her, but she is doing things I don't like. Pastor, she doesn't keep the house tidy and she has nothing to do during the days. This girl smokes. She has been smoking cigarettes since she was 15. I told her I am going to leave her because she has no ambition.

One day I came home and smelled ganja. I asked her who came by and was smoking ganja. She said it was one of her friends, but I found out it was not only her friend that was smoking it, because I smelt it on her. She promised she would not touch it again but, Pastor, she is still smoking it.

I don't know what to do because, when I tell her to stop, she says everybody is doing it and nothing is wrong with smoking ganja. I need your fatherly advice.

O.L.

Dear O.L.,

You need to encourage this girl to get some help. I imagine it is not easy for her to stop smoking ganja because she has become addicted to it and she does not believe she has a problem.

Some young women smoke ganja occasionally while others do so because they are addicted. Some think it makes them wise. If this girl continues to smoke and refuses to seek help, you should leave her.

Right now, you are with a girl who is not ambitious. She does not even keep the home tidy. It's a pity you have gotten involved with her. You have a real problem on your hand. Make sure you do not hit her. Perhaps you should encourage her to go back to her parents and do evening classes.

Pastor