I broke up with my girlfriend for three months; she was very difficult to reason with when arguments arose, as she has a strong personality and I was unable to deter her once her mind was made up.

We got back together several months ago, but again, when we disagree, she’ll put arguments forth in the form of questions, let me answer, then pin me on my answers. She’ll then tell me how her kids really like me and how she really likes me.

This gives me extremely guilty feelings that if I break up with her, I’ll have disappointed everyone involved.

I find myself letting her win points so as not to provoke her.

My heart is really not in this relationship anymore and I’m past the point of caring. I like her but I find her overwhelming.

How do I break this up without provoking her wrath?

- Overwhelmed

It’s hard to tell whether you’re in a relationship or an ongoing debate. Not only your heart isn’t in this union, neither is your backbone. You’ve got to strengthen it along with your resolve in order to tell her that it’s over, rather than argue about it.

If the kids are old enough, talk to them personally and assure them that you care for them and will try to keep in contact (if she permits it; otherwise send birthday and Christmas cards).

Before you enter into another relationship, ask yourself: Are YOU different from this woman and prepared to compromise with a partner and negotiate solutions?

I‘ve discovered that my boyfriend cheated on me with my "best friend" when we first started dating.

He’d been acting weird so my friend tried to "catch" him lying, by suggesting he hook up with her. He agreed to it; she told me, and then added that they’d already hooked up once before.

She doesn't see that as a problem.

Can I forgive my best friend?

Should I give my boyfriend a chance to change?

He told me he cheated on his previous girlfriends, but he said it was in the past.

Guys always mess with my head and break up with me.

Now I know I should break up, with a guy who’s treated me the best. After he planned on cheating with my best friend, for the first time in a week he called me when I asked him to, apologized for being in a bad mood and taking it out on me earlier, and said I love you.

Is it possible to love someone and cheat on them?

- Heart Broken

This guy loves himself best.

He’s already cheated on you, so his behaviour isn’t only in the past. He treated you well afterward, most likely because he knew your friend would tell you… or, he was puffed up thinking he’d score again with her later.

You’ve been letting guys mess with your head by believing them when you know their bad record.

Yes, you should break off with him. Then you need to start boosting your own self-esteem. Refuse to date more “bad boys.”

Also, know that a best friend does not hook up with your guy… this woman can’t be trusted either.

Dear Readers: On a recent long flight, the woman sitting behind me placed her large bare foot (she’d been wearing sandals) a couple of inches along my armrest.

Write me what your reaction would’ve been and I’ll write mine plus some of your responses, in a future column.

I'm 19, in university and have never had a relationship.

My repeated pattern: when it’s obvious that a guy and I like each other, and it’s time to admit our feelings, I start pushing the guy away.

Does this mean I have some sort of fear of relationships?

Am I just not ready?

Every other aspect of my life is great, and I have no insecurities about either being single or in a relationship.

- Same Same

You sound well balanced and happy, so I’m betting your instincts are stronger than any social pressure to have a relationship.

“Liking” someone doesn’t mean you want to be an exclusive couple, or give up time for other things you’re enjoying.

Don’t build up the fear that you have fears, nor think your pattern is unhealthy.

Only if you truly love someone and still push him away, should you consider probing your emotional history, through counselling.