Stepmother treats me like an infant

Dear Pastor,

I am 18 years old and I always read your column. I am living with my stepmother and my father.

He always buys THE STAR, so I always read the column. I would like you to know that your column has helped me. Many of the things you have said in the column that I did not know, but my father and I have a good relationship and sometimes I ask him what these things mean.

I do not ask my stepmother because she has a way of saying I want to turn big woman in the house. But at 18, I know that I am a woman. My father is not afraid to answer anything I ask him about sex. But he always warns me not to practise it because I should remember he wants to see me graduate from college. I promised him that I would not let him down.

Recently, a man asked my father for permission to see me and my father told him that I am not ready for that. I have to go to college and get a degree first and he should also do the same. This man has a few passes, but he needs more. I only have four passes, so I am trying to get some more so that I can enter college.

I have never had sex. When my stepmother asked me a few years ago if I was sexually active and I told her no, she said she did not believe me. But I knew that I was not telling a lie. She told my father what she had asked me and my father told her she should not have asked me my personal business. I did not expect that from my father, but that answer made me very proud of him.

My father showed me an account that he has to help me go to college. I am his only child. I love him so much.

B.W.

Dear B.W.,

I am glad you have a very good relationship with your father but I wish you had the same with your stepmother.

Perhaps she is a little jealous that you get along well with your dad. Do not allow that to bother you. Your father trusts you, so you should be careful not to let him down. I am glad that you read my column often and you should feel free to write to me and ask me any questions, or to mention any problem that you are having at home or in your life in general.

I hope that you attend church. If you are not attending church, I encourage you to do so. I wish you well. God be with you.

Pastor