DEAR ABBY: I have been with my boyfriend for 18 months. He has cheated on me more times than I can count. I love him and want to make things work, but lately he hasn't wanted to spend any time with me. We'll meet somewhere and he'll ask me for money. When I give it to him, he leaves right away, and I won't see him again until he needs more. I feel obligated to give him the money because we have a child together.
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I am only 20 and have my whole life ahead of me. I don't know whether to throw in the towel or hope for the best and maybe things will change. I hate being alone. Deep down, I don't trust him and feel like he's using me. -- HURTING IN THE NORTHWEST
DEAR HURTING: That lack of trust is your survival instinct. Your young man is nobody's boyfriend. He is a serial cheater and a user.
I urge you to see a lawyer, and establish paternity, custody and financial support for your child.
There is nothing lonelier than being in love all by yourself. Consider this: If you end this relationship, you'll have the possibility of meeting a man who is worthy of your love. So get going -- and don't look back.