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About Leon Scott Baxter
Expertise
I can answer questions about keeping love in committed relationships alive and fresh. I am not the guy to go to if you're having marital problems or if you want to know how to meet someone. (I've never been good at opening lines.) I am dedicated to keeping the romance fires burning even after the embers of a new relationship turn cold. Let me help you find ways to be excited about each other and your relationship again.

Experience
I have written two books, Out of the Doghouse , and A Labor With Love, to help keep romance alive in relationships. I give romance advice locally on radio have a regular newspaper column on relationships. I host a website, CouplesCommittedToLove.com, where I offer advice and give daily romance tips. I also have hosted the seminars, "Romance 101" and "The Valentine Prep Course".

Publications
Santa Barbara Independent Magazine, MenStuff.com, SBParent.com, The Goleta Valley Voice, EducationNews.org

Education/Credentials
Bachelor's Degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, as well as a teaching credential.

Awards and Honors
KLITE Community Hero and Ben & Jerry's Citizen Cool for my work with children and their focus on academic and personal improvement. Listed in Who's Who in America. Name was placed on the National Wall of Tolerance for taking a stand against hate, injustice and intolerance. In high school, voted "Most Likely To Host Saturday Night Live by 1999". Unfortunately, Lorne Michaels never called.

 
   

You are here:  Experts > People/Relationships > Marriage > How to Strengthen Your Relationship > confused

How to Strengthen Your Relationship - confused


Expert: Leon Scott Baxter - 10/24/2009

Question
hi. my name is Farah. my boyfriend and I been going on and off lately. also, 3 weeks ago, i caught him trying to cheat. and I confronted him, but he denied it. but i am 100% sure that it was him. we had a talk just last night, after almost 3 weeks of no contacting, and he told me that we should start over. from 0. but i am not sure if this is going to work because we've been together for 2 years, and by starting over i think that we are going backwards instead of moving forward. we love each other so much, at least i know i love him to death. we already talked about getting married soon and talked about kids. but as of lately, before i caught him, he was acting like he wants to be single seeing his friends being single. and he was taking me for granted. barely spent time with him because he is always with his friends playing basketball or doing something else. he didnt make time for me. i am a fulltime student with a job, AND still make time for him. he doesnt even go to school. he just work. but he took me for granted. so, with all of that and trust issues, he want us to start over. and i dont know what to do. im so confused. and HURT. i can say that he is my first true love. i am not a teenager. so i know myself when i love. and i love him so much. help please. what do you think about this?

Answer
Hello Farah,

I think that he's not ready for the serious stuff you two have talked about. He still longs for his freedom, but also wants to be with you. I believe he loves you, but is not ready to fully commit.

I wonder what you mean when you say he "tried to cheat". I'm not sure what that means. Did he admit to it? And, if he is leaning in that direction, but has come back asking for forgiveness, and wanting to start fresh, he probably has all the right intentions, but he's just not emotionally ready for the level of commitment you want.

I think instead of starting back at zero, you take a serious break from the relationship. Admittedly, this is your first true love. Taking time to evaluate what that means to you, wouldn't hurt. And, giving him a taste of life without you will bring out his true colors. He may see it as "free at last" and you'll know this is not his time. Then again, it may help him to mature and realize that you are the thing he wants most in life, and may be willing to work to keep you.

But, to do a break right, there are guidelines many couples don't follow. As a result, the break doesn't have the affect it's supposed to have. Take a look at this link to get the scoop (http://www.couplescommittedtolove.com/report_11_break.php).


Leon Scott Baxter
"America's Romance Guru"
http://www.couplescommittedtolove.com

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