More Than Friends Or Just Friends / Question
Published: February 6, 2000
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I met this guy in Florida over the summer vacation. When I came back to New York (where I live), we became very close. It is almost like a relationship and he wants me to become his girlfriend. I am afraid that if we do and we eventually break up, we will never talk again. I cherish our friendship. I don't know what I would do without him, but I also want to go out with him. What should I do?
Signed: Boyfriend Or Friend
Dear Boyfriend Or Friend,
FX can understand the difficulty of your situation since your relationship with this guy seems important to you!
On one side, you want to date this guy, but on the other side, you fear losing a friend. You need to decide if you want to take the chance with him. Sometimes relationships that start out as friends work out better because you know a great deal about each other. Think it over. You may want to discuss your thoughts and feeling with him. Let him know the reason why you are not sure of the relationship.
You failed to mention if this would be a long distance relationship. It is not clear if he lives in Florida or New York. If this is potentially a long distance relationship, use some caution in making a long distance commitment. All relationships are hard work, but long distance relationships require a lot more upkeep. It is harder to develop the relationship because you are not able to see each other often or communicate often due to phone bills. Also, it is harder sometimes to trust the other person because they have a different life and different friends than you.
This is ultimately your decision and TeenHealthFX cannot make up your mind for you. Regardless of what your decision is, always do things after thinking them over.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Among young people ages 12-17, prescription drugs have become the second most abused illegal drug, behind marijuana.
