DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend (age 17) and I (age 14) are having "issues." Lately he's always pushing me around, telling me what to do and exactly how to do it. I try my best, but sometimes it doesn't cut it for him -– and I just don't know what to do.
I want to salvage our relationship, so sometimes I try talking about it. But he either doesn't want to listen or blames everything that goes wrong on me. The only time he's ever actually nice is when he wants to have sex, or think about it, or talk about it. I'm really uncomfortable with this, and I told him that. Then he "sweet talks" me, and I stand firm, but he just gets angry and hostile.
I know at our age we are going through so many hormonal changes, but I still don't think it's a good excuse for his immature behavior. But I love him soooo much -– and I'm just so lost! What can I do to keep our relationship from going over the edge? -- IN LOVE IN ANDERSON, S.C.
DEAR IN LOVE: Although you say you love this young man, he is not acting like someone who loves YOU. The behavior you describe is abusive and coercive, and if you continue to tolerate it, it will land you in serious trouble. You may "love" him, but you have to take care of yourself -– and the surest way to keep the relationship from going "over the edge" is to end it.