Expert: Dan - 6/25/2009

Question
First of all my name is Nicole and I'm only 15.. hence why I'm so confused.    

I'm going out with a guy named Josh.. and we have only been together for a month as of yesterday. Lately I ave been thinking alot about how much a I care about him and how much I love having him around and how he makes me insanely happy.   

Yesterday I told him I loved him. We had talked about it before cause he knew how much I liked him, and I believe that I do, like 100%. But even if I'm so sure.. how do I know?   

Also me and him have gone farther than every guy I have been with and he is a Mormon. We are not breaking any of the rules but we both really enjoy the physical stuff but how do I enjoy it enough but not have it take over the emotional side of our relationship?   

Another thing I wanted to know is.. Do high school relationships last very often? I'm texting Josh right now and I just realized how much it would hurt if we broke up, I don't need him.. but I want him.. it would really suck if we broke up.. Please Help Me! =(

Answer
Well I was in love for the first time when I was fifteen/sixteen, and I never have been since so it's perfectly possible to be when you're that age.

I don't understand how physical stuff would hurt the emotional side of your relationship?  I understand that you may not believe in that stuff for religious reasons but it really shouldn't hurt a relationship at all unless you're both really young, but fifteen/sixteen's the normal age (in western society at least).

And yeah, high school relationships can last ages.  I went out with someone for nine months, my friend went out with someone for two years, another couple I know have been going out for six years, it just depends on how well you guys click.

Regards,
Dan