My boyfriend and I have been dating for 10 months and I want us to last. I love him with all my heart, and I know he loves me, too. Sometimes I feel that we are too young to be in a serious relationship, even though I want that with him. Next year is our last year of high school, and I don't want us to grow apart because we want the experience of being with other people. I talked to him about this, and he said he doesn't want that to happen either. What should we do?

Crystal J., 18, Lake Wylie S.C.

Long-distance relationships can be challenging for some and fruitful for others. You need to be aware that your partner cannot physically be there for you all the time, therefore you need to develop your sense of independence. The first step is to know what you both want, and to continually check in and be honest with each other if what you want changes. If you want a future together, then you will need to co-create a vision of the future together and come up with specific ways to stay connected. Sit down and figure out how often you two need to see, speak and write to each other to keep the connection alive -- and what activities will help you to grow closer. It is a good idea to take a class in communication and connection so that you learn to open up honestly and respectfully and you can solve any issues that might arise. You also need to balance your relationship time with your social life. College is a time to explore who you are in this world, and you want to make sure that your relationship uplifts and promotes that exploration. As you grow, stay connected to your partner and let him know how you are changing and developing so that you grow together.

I'm a 44-year-old woman, and three years ago, I married a man six years younger. The marriage lasted six months and ended painfully. I went to visit a family member for the weekend and when I got back home he had packed all his things and left without saying a word. Needless to say, I was shocked and hurt by his action. Since that time, I've pushed him to get a divorce. He served me with papers, but to my knowledge, the divorce is not final. We haven't been to court and no judgment has been signed by the judge. I have no proof that we are legally divorced. Meanwhile, time passed and we became sexually active again. In my mind and in my heart, I was wishing and hoping we would get back together. Recently, I found out he's living with a woman. Well, my wounds have been reopened. The sad part about this situation is I still love him. When I confronted him about his relationship, he reminded me that we are divorced. I feel so hurt and used. I need to know how to let go. My sister has been there to listen and talk whenever I need, but I can only tell her so much. How can I heal and recover from this broken heart?

Vanessa

One of the most difficult experiences is to be betrayed in love by the same man -- twice. Let go of the shame and belief that you are stupid. You, like everyone else in the world, want to be loved and want to give love. Following love blindly can lead you to fall into the trap: If it feels good, then it must be love. The key is to become conscious of yourself and those around you. Your ex-husband's actions of abandoning you without any real explanation, and without choosing to make the marriage work, was a sign that he cannot commit to you in the way in which you want. Ask yourself, "Is this the kind of man I want in my life?" Be aware of these signs as you move forward, and let go of this boy who is not ready to stand tall and be a husband. Your heart is resilient, and it will love again. You need to take care of yourself. It's time to move forward and imagine your life as a new and beautiful experience. To help you move forward, make a list of five of the wildest things you've wanted to experience and take the challenge of fulfilling each one. This will help you focus on yourself and will promote self-growth, endurance and perseverance.