for June 16, 2004 Dear Annie,
I just graduated from high school and my boyfriend is 20. He wants to get married. My parents think we're too young, and to be honest, I agree with them. The problem is, when I tell Jack (not his real name) this, he gets mad and won't speak to me for days. Jack wants to get married and move to his Dad's ranch in Colorado. I don't want to leave home yet. Besides, he is a big baby about everything. His Mom picks up after him and treats him like a king, and I'm not going to do that! Jack says if we're not going to get married, there's no future for us and we might as well quit going out altogether. I don't want to break up with him. He's the only boyfriend I've ever had. This summer was supposed to be so fun, and it's already starting to stink!
Too Young in Morton, WA
Dear Too Young,
You're right, you are young, but mature enough to make a difficult decision. Is Jack? If he was grown up enough to think about what's best for both of you, he wouldn't be pressuring you into marrying him when you've already expressed your misgivings. What's up with that? Jack needs to back off and let you decide what's right for your future. Suggest to him that you two take the summer off from each other, but don't expect him to take it well. From what you've said, he'll react selfishly and behave in a hurtful manner toward you. Be prepared to be the wise, rational one in this and any other situation you and Jack face together. Sweetie, it's going to be heartbreaking, but I think you already know you that for right now, you need to be free from Jack.
Annie
Please write to: Annie, P.O. Box 1084, Eatonville,WA 98328
E-mail: letters_annie@hotmail.com
Past Ask Annies:
June 16, 2004 Doesn't Want to Marry Older Guy
June 9, 2004 Rented to Friend's Kids
June 2, 2004 Daughter Reluctant to Help Brother Support Parents
May 5, 2004 Strife While Building a House
Apr. 28, 2004 Blessings in a Physically Challenged Child Hunting Easter Eggs
Apr. 21, 2004 Pushy people who keep telling us, "You should..."
Apr. 14, 2004 Abusive Dad, Discourteous Telephoning
Apr. 7, 2004 Guilty About Inadequately Reciprocating to Wonderful Giving Friend
Mar. 31, 2004 Kids Selling Cookies
Mar. 24, 2004 Big Girl Wants to Avoid Brother's Fancy Wedding
Mar. 17, 2004 New Manager Getting Gifts from Subordinate?
Mar. 10, 2004 Loaned Money to Roommate
Mar. 3, 2004 Complaining about Boring Older Peoples' Talk
Feb. 25, 2004 Give Kid's Items to Food Bank
Jan. 28, 2004 Bad Phone Manners
Jan. 21, 2004 Avoid Church Because of Flu?
Jan. 14, 2004 Boyfriend Breakup But Gift, Also Relative Tells Private Life
Dec. 24, 2003 Memories of Good Parents
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Dec. 3, 2003 Child's Names on Belongings & Appreciating Family at Holidays
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