Dear Pastor,

I am 19-years-old. When I met my boyfriend, he was in a fading relationship with his ex-girlfriend. She found out about me when we were going out about a week into the relationship and she put him out of the apartment that he was paying rent for. That same night he moved in with me.

For the first two months of our relationship, everything was great until his ex-girlfriend started calling me. She calls at 3:00 a.m. and even calls when I am in class. So, I changed my number. Now, she is calling my boyfriend and is telling him all sorts of lies about me.

Spreading lies

She tells him that I am sleeping with a lot of men and that I have all sorts of diseases. My boyfriend says he doesn't believe her, but sometimes I don't believe him. I told him to change his number, but he keeps on finding excuses as to why he can't change his number. I think she wants him back because she doesn't have a job and she needs my boyfriend, who used to be her 'Brinks' to pay her rent and other bills.

Pastor, how can I show him that I love and appreciate him and will never use him? How can I get this girl off our backs without being violent? Sometimes, I feel like I want to give up because it seems as if I am in a relationship with him and his ex-girlfriend. Please advise me because I am going crazy.

R.W., Illinois, USA

Dear R.W.,

This guy and you didn't get to know each other well before you decided to live together. His so-called ex-girlfriend is not giving up and he is probably still interested in her. Be prepared for anything. Don't be surprised if he moves in back with her.

Pastor