DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend of two years, "Jesse," has suddenly changed. He's pushing me away. We are both 17 and have a 9-month-old baby.
Jesse spent the first six months of our son's life in state custody. Since he has been back, he has been really distant. He ignores me and isn't affectionate anymore. When I get upset about it, he denies it and says I have no reason to be upset.
I'm scared our relationship isn't as strong as I thought. My son deserves a family, but it's falling apart. What should I do? -- TROUBLED IN TENNESSEE
DEAR TROUBLED: You have no idea what might have happened to Jesse after he was sent away, so give him some space, but let him know that if he wants to talk about it, you are willing to listen and be supportive. Don't push and don't be clingy. You may have to be strong for all three of you. Complete your education, take parenting classes, and encourage Jesse to do it, too. Do this and your son will have a family, whether or not it's the one you thought you'd have with Jesse.