DEAR ABBY: I am 18 and have just become engaged. I want to go to college, but my fiance, "Kirk," doesn't support my decision. It was a struggle for me to finish high school. I dropped out at 16, but recently received my GED with lots of support and encouragement from Kirk. But now that it's time for me to begin college, he doesn't want me to go. He says he's ready to settle down and start a family. Well, I'm not. I think my life has just begun. Please help. -- CONFUSED IN LOVE IN OREGON
DEAR CONFUSED: You have worked hard to get to where you are. Do not allow your fiance's insecurity to hold you back. If you're not completely ready to settle down and start a family, you should not allow yourself to be pressured into it.
Tell Kirk that you love him and that you need his support now more than ever. Perhaps there is a class the two of you could take together so he won't feel left behind. Please explore this with Kirk. Good luck.