I have been reading your column for quite a while now. Now I have a problem. I am in love with a man who is a soldier. We have been together for two years. One night my friends and I planned to play a prank on him via the phone. I let one of my friends call him. She asked him if he has a steady girlfriend and even if he did, would he consider being her (my friend's) man?

After a few minutes, he called me and asked me if I told someone to call his phone. I told him no. He said nothing more to me. I couldn't lie to him anymore, so I told him that I am the one who told my friend to call his phone. Now he is so upset and mad at me. I really love this guy and I know he loves me as well.

I don't want to lose him, so I am asking for your fatherly advice.

K., Clarendon, Jamaica

Dear K.,

Tell your boyfriend that you are sorry for playing that prank on him. You meant no harm. Tell him that you were just trying to test his loyalty to you and you did not know that he would feel so offended by what you did.

Pastor