My boyfriend of three years and I, both 19, are great, close friends. But for several months, I've wanted to experience meeting new people - hard to do with him hovering over my shoulder.

Our nights out are never very thrilling anymore. We spend a lot of time with his guy friends, very boring for me. I don't have many friends, because of our relationship. I want to have nights out with my few girlfriends without him texting or calling me constantly. He says he trusts me, but proves otherwise.

I've tried to break up, but he starts crying and says he'll change; he can't lose me. I always cave.

Recently, I did it over the phone and we said goodbye, but minutes later (he lives down the street) he arrived at my house! Do I continue to push him to change? Or do I break it off, as there's no hope?

Fed Up

You both need a break. What started at 16 has gone stale due to his dependency, and your restlessness. You may re-connect later on, but both need life experience on your own.

Do NOT start dating someone else too quickly. Firm up your girlfriend connections - something you'll benefit from the rest of your life. Think through what you want in your next relationship and the standards you'll set for yourself. Remember, too, that your boyfriend may start dating and lean on someone new very soon, if that's his nature.

I don't know why everyone who knows me is against me. I've recently decided to take up singing, I've loved to sing since I was a kid - never that great at it, but I've been practicing every day.

I'd love to take lessons but between working and college, I can't find the time, or money. I've tried really hard to book some gigs singing at the restaurant where I waitress.

I've told friends about my dream, even given them mini-concerts, and also had to audition in front of my boss and co-workers. "Taking singing lessons" was their idea, not mine.

All my friends and co-workers still think I need practice before I should sing in public. Who says that? Makes me feel like crap about my dream.

But singing in restaurants and in front of my friends is only a small step on my road to becoming a singer. I want to try out for Canadian Idol or some competition.

I've been told repeatedly how hard it is to become the next big thing, but they don't know my determination. I want to do this for the rest of my life, but lately my dream is feeling more and more impossible. I'm not a bad singer; I just want to improve. Should I give up on this dream or keep on?

Road-blocked

Dreams are a wonderful inspiration and important part of life. To become achievable goals, they require motivation and work. If you listen closely to stories of those Idol finalists, they've taken years of lessons, learned instruments, practiced along with accomplished singers' CD's, made a tape to actually hear themselves as others do, and worked to improve.

Just daydreaming about success, fame, and fortune, do not cut it.

Your friends and co-workers are being kind when they suggest lessons. You need the feedback from an objective and skilled ear of a professional. Then you need to do the work that'll help towards your dream.

Dear Readers - More offers of help for the single mom of three children who suffered a work injury:

Reader #1- "She may have grounds for appeal to the Ontario Worker's Compensation board (where she lives).

"Also, employers are required by law to provide light work for their injured workers where possible.

"I want her to know she's not alone. She likely qualifies for free legal help from an Ontario legal aid clinic. I also recommend she check out the Women of Inspiration, a support group by and for women injured at work.

"Call a local Workers' Health & Safety Legal Clinic."

Reader #2 - "To help with the clothes/laundry, try a "freecycle" group in her community- online groups where members offer surplus stuff for free - such as children's clothes. Members can also post requests for things they need... e.g. use of nearby laundry facilities - she might even offer to perform some service in exchange."