Ask Alma: How Do I Get My Boyfriend to Leave the Streets Behind?

By Alma Gill (NNPA News Wire Columnist)

Dear Alma,

I can’t give you all the details, but let’s just say my boyfriend is doing something that makes a lot of money, but it’s illegal. If he gets caught, “we” could go to jail. I love him and I’ve always supported him. He was there for me when I didn’t have anyone and helped me financially complete my degree and purchase my condo. I don’t want to leave him now that I’m gainfully employed, but I do worry about him getting caught. Sometimes I feel like I’m living a double life. Now that my feet are firmly planted and I’m making a good salary, I would like for him to go legit, but he’s not having it. He says the money’s too good. How can I get him to see, we can leave that life and do well and have a good life?

Signed,
Down for My Man

Dear Down for My Man,

Some people will sell their soul for a diamond-crusted, fried bologna sandwich, while others will work hard, all day long at doing what’s right. The road to righteousness is long, undoubtedly unfair and ruthlessly rough. The sidewalk leading to half-baked shenanigans won’t let you stand up on a slippery slope. You have to decide which path is best for you right now, today and tomorrow, not yesterday, six months ago or the year before.

Honestly girl, if your Mr. Do Right is doing wrong and you know it and support it, you’re Mrs. Do Wrong your dang self. Don’t start trippin’ now that you have a degree. Who you think you’re fooling? You’ve been in this from the jump.

Your condo won’t keep you out of jail. Your degree won’t prevent you from serving time. You can’t dissect, analyze and redirect this negative into a positive now, because you’re getting an authentic paycheck. Get yourself out of this mess, before it’s too late. When it all comes crumbling down, and it will, you’ll be on your way to lock down, for love’s sake. Here’s my question to you: Is it worth it?

Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans more than 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to alwaysaskalma@gmail.com. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and Twitter @almaaskalma.