| Dear Carolyn: I know a boyfriend trying to isolate you is a concern, but I’m not sure if it applies in my case. My boyfriend has never tried to forbid me to see my family or friends, but he definitely tries to make me think negatively about them. Example: He confronted me with a lawsuit he somehow found in which my dad was sued and said, “I bet you didn’t know your dad cheated his business partner.” I actually did know all about this, my dad didn’t “cheat” anybody, and the lawsuit was dismissed. But this is typical of the kind of thing my boyfriend does — he tries to find reasons I shouldn’t trust my family or friends. But my boyfriend can also be very sweet and generous with me, and this is honestly the best relationship I’ve had. I’m wondering how concerned you think I should be. — Isolated? | 
