DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been dating my high school boyfriend for six years now. We are at different colleges and have been doing a long-distance relationship ever since freshman year. I would consider this a serious relationship.
Recently, I have been wondering if that was the right choice. I have had the greatest experiences with him and he continues to make me very happy, but there is a part of me that thinks we both should experience life with other people, or by ourselves. At the same time, I think to myself, why would I want to break up with someone who makes me so happy? I am torn and was just wondering what your opinion was on long-term relationships at a young age. -- Girl Torn in Half, Dallas
DEAR GIRL TORN IN HALF: It is understandable that you would have these thoughts. There is a risk in every relationship, but especially so with young, long-term lovers. I suggest that the next time you and your boyfriend are in each other’s company, you talk about these thoughts. Ask him if he is having them as well. Be honest. If this is conjecture more than you being interested in someone, be sure to say that. You don’t want to threaten your relationship. Being open about your inner conflict may be hard, but it is much smarter than keeping it to yourself and potentially acting on your feelings without agreeing on next steps with your boyfriend.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)