DEAR ABBY: I am in a relationship with a lovely man. He respects me, appreciates me and accepts me (flaws and all), and we get along really well. He's the other half of me.

Things are wonderful, except that he's been having really terrible breath lately, like a bad tooth or something. I've always been the quiet, shy type, never mentioning things that bother me (my kids' father abused me for several years), and I feel uncomfortable speaking up. But Abby, his bad breath drives me nuts. When he tries to kiss me, I give him a few pecks but feel repulsed at the unpleasant odor.

How do I address this tactfully and respectfully? I don't want to embarrass him. How do I bring this up?

-- PUT OFF IN MASSACHUSETTS

DEAR PUT OFF: Bring this up NOT as a criticism, but because you love and care about him. Do it not for yourself but for HIM. He may be having a problem with his teeth, his gums or his digestive system. For the sake of his general health, he should be checked out, first with his dentist and possibly later with his doctor.