Dear Miss Emily:

Hi, I'm going through a rough time. It's been a month since my girlfriend left to Texas with our 2 yr old daughter. We argued, and she would get mad when I went to see my family. She left a letter saying that she was going to come back, that it was for a small visit, but days went by and she changed her attitude. Two weeks after she left, she broke up with me over texting and I haven't talked to her on the phone, at all --  but only when she puts my daughter on. And honestly, I want them in  my life and be a family once more, but I don't know where to start or what I should do.

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

I feel horrible for you. I don't know if it's possible for you to be a family with her, again but, depending on your financial situation, I think you need to see a lawyer to know what your legal rights are concerning seeing your daughter. Unfortunately, the fact that you and she are not married might give her more legal leverage -- but you don't really know that until you find out. What she did was awful. To take your daughter from you without your knowledge is cruel. It's possible she could come back, but to have a family work, you and she would have to find some common ground, stop the fighting -- and you'd have to learn how to be more assertive! You seem like a decent guy, but this girl may have other plans. You simply need to know your rights concerning your daughter. Don't delay, please. Your daughter needs you, too.