Dear Cheryl,

Before my significant other and I were a couple, he would lavish me with compliments. In the year we've been together, I've gotten a promotion, bought a house, had a baby and regained my figure. But the best I ever get from him is "Good dinner, Mom," followed by a belch. Yes, he calls me Mom.

On the other hand, he enthusiastically compliments others. Once, when I was in desperate need of a compliment, I asked him how my body compared. His response was a rave review of an ex-girlfriend's "perfect" body. Not only does he intentionally withhold compliments, he thinks it's endearing to point out my few gray hairs and suggest that I'm nearing menopause.

This seriously affects my self-esteem and can't be good for our relationship. THROW THIS DOG A BONE, PLEASE!

Dear TTDABP!

Does he know how much this bothers you? Have you sat him down and told him that you know he loves you, and you know he thinks it's funny to point out your shortcomings, but it hurts you? And that it's building up resentment, and it's hurting your relationship? And that you know it may seem foolish to him, but you need the digs to stop and the kind words to start? And if he doesn't get it, maybe the two of you should be in therapy. If you haven't done this, do it.

If you have done it, and it hasn't helped, you have a decision to make. Can you live like this, with a man who's constantly chipping away at your self-esteem? Or is it a deal breaker?

Dear Cheryl,

My best friend Chris is the sweetest guy in the world, but he's never had any luck with women. My wife tells me he "doesn't show well." What she means is that he's not great-looking and carries himself like a loser. His posture is poor, he doesn't make eye contact, and he's a lousy dresser. He strikes out in singles bars. But, once you get to know him, he's a prince.

He's gotten himself involved with Hillary, a real gold digger. She's 29, very attractive and a manicurist. Chris is a lawyer and does very, very well. Hillary comes from a blue-collar family and has never seen anyone live the way Chris and all our friends live — houses, cars, vacations, etc. Our wives all have designer clothes and beautiful jewelry. Women like Hillary polish their nails.

The problem is everyone but Chris can see that she's just after his money. She treats him like dirt, and he takes it because he's never had such a good-looking woman interested in him. (And, not to be crude, but he's never had so much sex.) She moved in after a few dates and they got engaged after a few months. Is there anything I can say or do? CONCERNED FRIEND

Dear CONCERNED FRIEND,

This is one sticky situation. There's very little you can do, or you'll lose your friend who will wind up marrying Hillary anyway. About the only thing you can advise is that he "enjoys" the engagement and doesn't rush into marriage and hope that he has a prenup.

And if Hillary is as bad as you say, you can be there to help him get over his broken heart.

Readers, what advice would you give CONCERNED FRIEND?

Got a problem? Or a question? Send it to cheryllavinrapp@gmail.com. And check out my new ebook, "Dear Cheryl: Advice from Tales from the Front."