Dear Carla: I am 18-years-old and away in school. I have a girlfriend out there. We were dating for a few months and then she left me for a 25 year old guy who has two children. I was heartbroken but I respected her decision. Just before I left to come home for the summer, she asked me to consider getting back together. Now that I am back, she is sending me constant messages saying that she wants us to be a couple again. I care about her, and would like to give her another chance, but I don’t know what to do. What do you think? — CONFUSEDDear Confused: Since you are here and she is there I really don’t think there is a whole lot you can do at this point besides leave the lines of communications open with her if you want to explore the possibility of getting back together. Don’t shut her out but talk to her and see where her head it at. And even before any of that … forgive her because if you are still harbouring hurt feelings over what she did there will be no real possibility for reconciliation. And please don’t let her consume you over the summer. You are on vacation and should be having fun. If things work out by the time the new term begins then that is what is meant to be.Dear Carla: People are going to think I am stupid for writing this but here goes. I had a girlfriend who I loved with all my heart. We were together for two years. She cheated on me twice and I still stayed with her. The third time, I left her, and do not wish to be with her ever again. A year has passed and now I have met someone who I would like to be in a relationship with. She seems to be everything I want in a woman, but I do not trust her. She hasn’t done anything to give a reason not to, but after what my ex did I just think all women are untrustworthy. I know it’s not fair. I am over my ex but the experience has obviously scarred me. I don’t want to be this way. — SCARREDDear Scarred: If you are going to hold the actions of one woman against all of the others then you are not ready to be in a relationship. One of the most enlightening lessons I’ve had to learn when it comes to dealing with a cheating ex is that you cannot truly move on if you have not forgiven the person who wronged you, because when you don’t it spills over into your future, no matter how much you try to convince yourself of otherwise. Although you say you are over your ex, you have to ensure that you are over what she did to you if not you will never truly be able to move on. And guess what … while you are holding on to ill feelings, they have moved on with their life like you never existed. So let go. And watch things get brighter.Dear Carla: I am the mother of a 13-year-old boy. He is a good child and does not get into trouble in school. His grades are average and I really don’t have any problems with him. He keeps a good circle of friends but every weekend they want to go to one of these teen dances that seem to be the rage lately. Although the dances are chaperoned and are for young people between the ages of 11 and 14, I feel my son is too young to go. When I was in school, I didn’t go to a dance until I was 16. My husband says times are changing and he should be able to go while I am dead against it. All of my son’s friends are allowed to go which really has me looking like the evil mom. Should I let him go? — OLD FASHIONEDDear Old Fashioned: Times sure have changed hey? Some of my earliest and fond memories stem from Warwick Sec dances. I still remember having Atlantic Starr sung in my ear (lol). Okay, let me focus. I am the mother of a preteen daughter who is always bringing home the posters, and like you I always said she couldn’t go. But one day I called the promoter who was having one and I questioned her extensively. She was more than willing to answer and I was reassured that it was safe environment. I told my daughter and nephew that I will be picking them up at a specific time and then complied. I would let her go again but she definitely will not be attending everyone. I think there has to be a balance. Let him go, mom.Dear Carla: I have a friend who I really do not wish to be friends with anymore. She is really a nasty person and has no respect for other people’s opinions or feelings and I’m really getting tired of her ways. I want to cut her off without any drama. How do I do it? — WANT OUTDear Want out: Just tell her. Be honest with her and show her examples of what has made you feel this way. Honesty is the best way to go. And who knows ... she may change her ways (or at least adapt them) and your friendship can be saved.