Dear Pastor,

I have a huge problem. I live in the United States. I was lucky enough to find a good hard-working man but he doesn't acknowledge me. He says he loves me, but when I want to go out with him to public places, he always has an excuse. It is okay if he comes to my house or I go to his house and we watch TV and/or I cook for him and or go to bed with him, but he never takes me anywhere - not even to the movies. I wouldn't mind so much doing things for him because I love him. Sometimes he makes me wait on him and his friends while they drink beer and eat the food I cook, but he never returns the favour. He just compliments me on my cooking skills and buys me some unimportant stuff, but nothing that makes up for the way he treats me. He is a terrific lover in the bedroom. Sometimes, I just feel like shooting him, but I know I will miss him after he is gone. I don't know what to do! I do love him.

Please, help me. I have seen the good advice you have given others and I hope you can help me as well.

R. E., Massachusetts, USA

Dear R. E.,

Sometimes a woman has to tell a man what she needs him to do. Some men are slow. Some take women for granted. So, tell him when you would like to go to the movies or to a play.

Inform him when you want a dress, shoes or jewellery. Some men like when their women ask them for gifts and other favours.

Pastor