Dear Pastor,

I am an educated and hard-working 20-year-old young lady. I met a man exactly one year ago. He is 37 years old, married for nine years and has an eight-year-old son with his wife. Before I met him, they were having relationship problems and were on the verge of divorce. The problem is that I think am falling for him, although I know there is no future for us because he really loves his son and doesn't want to separate him from his mother.

He is a very decent, humorous, sensitive and intelligent guy. He treats me very nicely and we communicate a lot. We spend a lot of time together and when I am around him, I am the happiest person in the world, and vice versa. However, sometimes I feel like I am wasting my life and energy with this guy, but I like him and really don't want to share him or leave him.

Because of this situation, I try not to express my emotions to him and tell him how I feel about him, because I am afraid of getting my heart broken. I really feel guilty to know that I am involved with a married man, who lives with his wife. I really like him, but my conscience is killing me to know that he is married and has a family, although his wife doesn't support him or their child. She is mostly absent from home.

Pastor, do you think I am really wasting my life? Should I date other people or there is hope for us?

S.G., St. Andrew, Jamaica

Dear S.G.,

You know the correct thing to do. You got involved with this man, but you know there is no future for you with him, unless he divorces his wife. He may not be prepared to do so. As I see it, right now both of you should have a good talk and make up your mind to go your separate ways. You know that you would want to have a husband and it is hardly likely that it would be this man so free up yourself. If he loves you, he will understand that the relationship will have to come to an end. And you should be prepared to leave him alone.

Pastor