Dear Miss Emily:

How do I know if I should break up with the father of my son?

---------------------------Miss Emily's advice--------------------------

If he shows no respect for you. If you and he have no common interests. If he leads a separate life -- wants his independence above all else.  He has personal problems and won't get help for them, or actively work on them to improve the relationship.  If he's a heavy drinker, and if you complain, it's you who has the problem. If he's argumentative, or ignores the need to work out differences. No communication. If he's insensitive to your feelings. If you're nothing more than the mother of his child. If he thinks having a family life is a waste of his time, and he rather be out with his buddies who "understand him." If he cheats on you. If he lies. If he abuses you, verbally, physically, or both. If your life is miserable with him, and you feel trapped. These are just a few. Does any of this ring a bell?