Q:I am a widow, in my early thirties, with three children. Because of my marital status, I can’t avoid to have suitors. They are, however, all younger than I.

One avid suitor has the qualities I like. He is also comfortable with my children. But I am avoiding him because I am afraid he might change his mind in case he will meet someone his age.

What are some of the things I need to consider before making a decision to accept him or not, aside from the age gap?

A:Your age gap may not be over 10 years considering you’re in your early thirties, unless he’s 22 and you’re 34. More important than the chronological age, however, is the emotional age.

Marrying, in your case, is not all about love, security, and companionship. There are other things you need to consider, like the opinions and feelings of your children.

If you’re both professionals, you will be speaking in the same language – overtime work, deadline, etc. If, however, you’re a professional and hold a position, and he’s a college dropout with no work, it will limit your interaction. Your friends will also be of different worlds.

More importantly, will be a responsible and faithful husband, a financial helpmate, and a spiritual partner? Will he be sensitive to your children’s needs?

You still feel insecure about his love for you. Take more time to know him. Give each other some space first. Don’t rush. He has not proven his worth yet.

I want you to ask yourself why he chose you over girls who are single, professionals, and not single mothers. In other words, get deep into his motive for courting you.

Don’t decide on this matter without consulting your family and trusted friends. They are the ones who can give honest opinions about your suitor.

More matters you need to consider – family background, emotional maturity, and marriage preparedness, among other things.

In situations like this, I introduce you to Jesus. He has the solution to your problem. He is just waiting for you to ask His help.

Q:My 22-year-old boyfriend (who’s not married but has a son) forced me one day to go with him to a hotel and to have sex with him against my will. (”Nanlaban ako”)I Fought to no avail. Should I file a case against my boyfriend?

A:Are you emotionally ready to relieve the trauma in court? Are there witnesses to prove your boyfriend forced you into having sex with him? Are you financially ready for a court battle? Do you have supportive family and friends?

Consider these questions before making a decision. Court hearings are never easy – especially the detailed, intimate cross-examination. That’s why many rape cases go unreported.

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It is estimated that annually 7,000 teenagers kill themselves, one million think about it, and 400,000 attempts are made.

The magnitude of this problem demands that people know and understand the warning signs of suicide. What once was confined to discussion in hushed tones has become the focus of network news programs and other television broadcasts.

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As you stand and gaze everything around you, you could see a real beauty, from the smallest things to the large one. Look at the shape of those leaves of hanging plants as they partially sway as the air blows, the color of the walls and fence although they begin to fade, the design of the pots as they were gathered in a row, I see nowhere which is ugly but only pure beauty. But could you believe that the time will come, beauty will fade.

Yes, there is no such thing which is permanent, only the change itself.

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