He Won't Say I Love You

Ophelia wrote:

I'm an 18 year old girl on my way to college. But I have a huge problem.

I have a boyfriend whose 21 and I care for him deeply. But he's not the problem, it's if he loves me or not that is?

He does many things for me that are special. This includes helping my mother and sister when they need help and even making sure I'm ok when I have a problem. He's always there for me whenever I need him and I see him every day.

He expresses how he feels towards me but he has never said I love you and we have been dating for over a year. It seems as though he doesn't want to get hurt because I'm going away to school and all. But I say if he can't trust me now then it won't work in school.

Please Anon help me. I just want to know if I'm loved!

Dear Ophelia

You've not given me nearly enough to know him - if you cannot tell after a year, how can I after 100 words?

It's obvious he cares for you, he's a good friend. If that's not enough, it may be safer to assume he does not love you.

But consider that many men have trouble with the 'L' word, and you'd be pretty shallow to throw a man away for failing to read your script.

Also consider he may be trying to protect you from hurt, not himself. he may feel it better for you to have the freedom to go - and then decide whether or not to come back to him.

I don't know. But you do.