Tell Me Pastor

Oh Romeo. Romeo!

DEAR PASTOR,

I am 16 years old. I have a problem. I live in the United States of America and I have a boyfriend who lives in Jamaica. Only God knows how much I love him. Words can't express how I feel about him. I try hard not to think about him because whenever I do, it interrupts my work in school. It is very hard not to think about him.

I talk to him almost every night and day. Whenever I don't, I feel as if I am going insane. I don't want to tell him this situation because I don't want him to think I want to end this relationship. I don't. I know he loves me a lot and has been through resentment and trouble with other girls breaking his heart. I don't want to be the third one to do this because I am scared he will never recover.

What can I do?

L.H., Bronx, New York

Dear L.H.,

You are obsessed with this young man. And it is not unusual for a girl your age to feel that if you do not talk to your boyfriend you are going to go crazy. You have enough to occupy your time in America because you are attending school. And, if you really want to do well in school you should not allow anything to come between you and your studies.

May I suggest therefore, that you keep in touch with your boyfriend by email and that you call him occasionally on the telephone. You should not talk to each other every day. You should use your time wisely. You will not die if you do not speak to him every day. Do not allow this relationship to go to your head and to affect your studies. Whenever you feel like you are missing him, write a little love note. It would help you to express your feelings. You don't have to send the note to him. It would also help to relieve your tension.

Pastor