To The Moon Alice

Dear Maggie-
I'm 16 and I have had a boyfriend for about 8 months now. I really love him and he loves me but the other night, we got into a really big fight. I got mad at him because one of my friends told me that she saw him at the movies with a Senior! He said she is making it up...but she has been my friend since 3rd grade, I don't know what would make her make something like that up. Anyway, I told him I didn't believe him and it was over. Ever since then, he's been calling and sending flowers and that's been nice but I don't know what to do. What if he cheats on me again? I don't want to waste my time but I really do love him.

This is a common email...but not necessarily from a teenager. 16 is young to be so serious but then, when I was 16 I didn't think that so I understand. This is a decision you'll have to make with your heart and your head...not just one or the other. Ask yourself: Did he treat you well otherwise? Have you had a reason to mistrust him other than this incident? Have you noticed that he flirts with a lot of girls? Does he seem disrespectful to you or your friends? If the answer to these questions are no, you may consider just going on a couple of dates with him to see how it goes. If even one of the answers to those questions is yes, he's no good girl and you deserve better!

Wishing you the best-
Maggie