Can’t reach my boyfriend whenever he travels

Dear Pastor,

I am 36 years old. I am in a relationship with a man who is 48 years old. We don't have children together but we both had children before our relationship started.

We are both living in the country. We don't live together, but he spends most of his time at my house; he said my home is his second home. I love this man so much. I am working so I can manage on my own, but this man sticks by my side whenever I am not working. Even if I am working, he still helps me out. He will do anything for me just to make sure I am comfortable and okay.

My main problem is that whenever he leaves for another country, the communication between us is very poor. This man leaves for another country to work because the company that he was working for lost a big contract, so nothing much is going on there. The salary is not working for him, so he decided to seek employment into another country. This man said I am the only woman he is with, but my problem is, why is it that the communication gets poor whenever he leaves? Whenever I send him messages, he doesn't respond. He promises that he will call me but he doesn't do so.

I am really frustrated and tired of his behaviour but I just don't know how to really handle this situation because he's a good man. He treats my children like his own, especially my daughter. I love him, but I can't deal with this problem. When I told him that I am not important to him and that is why he doesn't put out the effort to get in touch with me, he always says I don't appreciate him. I appreciate him in every way. I just need him to really be truthful to me. Once he leaves for another country, the communication gets poor.

I need your advice, please. I really do appreciate and love him, but I just can't handle this problem any more. Please hide my initial.

Initial Withheld

Dear Writer,

Communication and respect are keys to a good relationship. This man does not communicate with you. At least, he doesn't do so often, so you will not be happy. He is taking you for granted. I just want you to know that you should try to get him to understand that you will never be happy unless he keeps in touch with you whether he is in Jamaica or outside of Jamaica.

You think highly of him and that is good, but he has to learn to communicate with you at all times. Whenever you see him again, tell him that you would appreciate if both of you go to see a counsellor. I hope he will agree. I will be praying for you.

Pastor