Dear Dish-It: My Boyfriend Has A Bad Reputation

Dear Dish-It,

I recently started going out with a boy from another school. He’s really nice and sweet to me, but I found out that he has a really bad reputation at his school. People call him a druggy and apparently he’s been in a lot of fights. He tells me the stories aren’t true, but I don’t know what to believe. Should I break up with him?

Hesitant

My Boyfriend Has A Bad Reputation

Dear Hesitant,

In a situation like this, you need to follow your gut instinct. Your intuition is more powerful than you think. If there’s something telling you that this guy is trouble, definitely listen to that voice. It’s better to get out before your relationship gets too serious.

Rumors or Truth?

If you’re hearing these stories from people who don’t know him personally or who can’t prove these accusations, then they could have been distorted along the way. It’s like a game of telephone: the more people who pass the story along, the more it changes. But if you’re getting firsthand information from people who know for a fact that this guy is no good, then you should probably end it.

Ask Yourself These Questions

You really need to decide where your moral stance is on this. Do you want to be in a relationship with someone who does drugs? With someone who picks fights? Do you want to risk that he might become violent with you? You deserve to be with someone who makes you feel safe, who makes you feel proud to introduce them to your friends and your parents, and especially someone who is honest with you. If the rumors about him are in fact true, then he’s been lying to you. Is that the kind of guy you want as your boyfriend?

Have Your Say

Do you have any advice for Hesitant? Leave your comment below!