Dear Pastor,

I am 21 and in a relationship with a guy whom I love dearly and hope to marry as soon as possible. We are both Christians and I am really convinced that he loves me and would not do anything to hurt me intentionally. His attitude towards me tells me a lot. He is very loving, caring and ambitious. He is all that I have always asked God for in a man.

My concern, however, is that everyone who knows us realises that we have a good thing going. Both families love each other and they see us as a perfect match. No one is perfect, but I must say my relationship with this guy who is just two years older than me is very fulfilling. We hope to get married very soon, but I am so afraid that things might change between us. I have seen people courting for a number of years and as soon as they get married, things turn upside down and I really don't want that for us.

When I share this with him he tells me that as long as we work together and remain faithful to each other, our marriage will last forever. I pray earnestly each day for him and for what we share, because we are young but very focused and caring towards each other.

I must add, though, that I am an Adventist and he attends Sunday church. What do you think about this? Clearly, we serve the same God, as at times we pray together and don't have a problem visiting each other's church.

Please, pastor, give me your advice on this matter.

L.H., St Catherine, Jamaica

Dear L.H.,

Stop looking at couples whose marriages are not doing well. Look at the people who are happily married, doing well and who love each other. No relationship is perfect, but when people love each other, they learn to compromise and communicate.

Discuss with your pastor your boyfriend's church affiliation and how it may affect your relationship.

Pastor