DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend, "Shane," and I have been together more than a year. My problem lies in child support issues.
I'm a college student and full-time employee at a major company. I make a pretty good living considering my age. Shane is an electrician, and half of every paycheck he earns is going to his child's mother. I understand the money is being given to support the child, but every time we see him, the kid says his mommy is broke.
Because my boyfriend's check is half gone by the time he brings it home, I must pick up the slack regarding the bills. Shane helps out any way he can, but it's never enough, so I have to step in.
I love him, he treats me like a queen and I have yet to have a major problem with him. But it's the money situation. I feel a little guilty for feeling this way. What do I do in this situation? Please help. -- FEELING GUILTY IN COLORADO
DEAR FEELING GUILTY: Stop feeling guilty. Your feelings are natural considering that Shane isn't carrying his half of the load he shares with you financially. Talk to him about the way the inequity is making you feel because if you don't, your resentment will only grow. He may need to find a second job so you have to "step in" less often. The alternative is to accept that the present will also be your future.