College classmate tempting me to cheat

Dear Pastor,

This is the first time I'm writing to you, and I'm really looking forward to hearing your advice. I'm 19 years old and currently attending college. Since I started, I've noticed that one of the male students seems to be interested in me. I told him I wasn't interested because I have a boyfriend, and it's my boyfriend who's helping me attend college. He then said he could do more for me than my boyfriend because his father is a businessman and gives him whatever he wants. Honestly, this guy is such a show-off. He drives around and is always offering me free rides.

I won't lie -- I can't say that I don't like him, but I don't want to get involved with him just because of what he can offer me.

There is also another issue. This guy told me that he heard other students say that I'm involved with one of the lecturers. I know that's a complete lie because I've never acted inappropriately with any lecturer. I do my work and expect to be treated fairly.

This is a small world, and I'm worried that someone might tell my boyfriend that I'm getting involved with a lecturer. Some girls at the college are jealous of me because I dress well and don't hang out with them.

My boyfriend is twice my age and picks me up from college every day, so I never have to take the bus. Even this guy who's infatuated with me sees it -- if my boyfriend can't pick me up, he sends his driver instead.

This is my second year in college. I've told the guy that there are plenty of other girls at the college for him to be interested in, but he insists he's only interested in me. I warned him that, if he continues to harass me, I'll report him to the dean.

Please give me some advice on how to handle this situation.

E

Dear E.,

I would repeat what I have said on many occasions, "One cannot prevent a bird from flying over one's head. But one can prevent the bird from making a nest on one's head."

Your college mate says he loves you, but he's like a bird flying overhead -- there's nothing you can do to stop him from having those feelings. However, you know better than to let his words sway you. You're not going to respond positively to his advances, and, because of that, he won't be able to make a lasting impact on your life.

It is possible that he's spreading lies about you, claiming you're involved with one of your lecturers. Have you ever heard the saying, "When the frogs can't reach the grapes, they say the grapes are sour"? Some men lie about women when they don't get what they want. So, I suggest you ignore him and move on.

You mentioned that some of the female students are jealous of you because you dress well and carry yourself with confidence, and because your boyfriend picks you up and takes you to college every day. Keep holding your head high and continue to focus on yourself.

Remember, you're in college to study, pass your exams, and eventually graduate. Stay focused on your work, and don't get caught up in other people's drama. Keep taking care of yourself and let me know how things go.

Pastor