DEAR ABBY: I'm a 17-year-old guy with a big problem. Almost a year ago I got together with a girl I'll call Sara. I was told she had feelings for me. Little did I know what I was getting myself into.
Sara and I have been together ever since. She has always had problems with depression. I want to break up with her because she tries to control my life, but when I tell her we can't be together, she gets sad and cuts herself later.
It has gotten so bad that I'm afraid if I DO break up with her, she might do something drastic -- like commit suicide. I'm scared. What should I do? -- NO NAME, CITY OR STATE
DEAR NO NAME, CITY OR STATE: This is too big a problem for you to handle on your own. Talk to your parents, or a trusted teacher, coach or counselor and tell him or her what you have written to me. Sara needs professional help. Whether or not she is doing it intentionally, she is making you a prisoner of emotional blackmail.
Sara may be upset and angry when you divulge her problem, but in the long run, it's the biggest favor you could do her.