Ask Alexis

Dear Alexis,         Why does she ignore me in public, but talk to me in private? -Anonymous Dear anonymous,  The fact that she ignores you in public is a major red flag. In a relationship you want to be able to show off your partner and be proud that you are dating that special someone. I would have a talk with your partner and tell them how you feel about them ignoring you in public. You should be in a relationship with someone who wants others to know you two are dating and who will talk to you regardless of where you are or who you are with. Talk it through with her and help her understand that it’s unfair to you, and that her actions of ignoring you  aren't  good for your relationship. Maybe this is a good time to end the relationship and start a new one where your girlfriend maybe talks to you a little too much in public. Good luck! 

Dear Alexis, There’s this boy who goes to my school. He’s super sweet and super cute. We relate to each other on an emotional and personal level, and it’s not all about looks. We’ll talk almost every day but I don’t know if he likes me, and after my past relationships, I don’t want to waste my time. Do I keep moving forward and see if he likes me and see if we might be together or do I stop before I get in too deep? Help me!  -Anonymous Dear anonymous,          The whole exciting and fun part about dating is risking things you might not usually risk. Throughout your dating life you are going to get hurt and waste your time but that’s just how dating works. You’ll have to kiss a few frogs until you find your prince. You two sound like you are building a great friendship; maybe that’s all you two will have, and there is nothing wrong with that. I would tell you to continue this great friendship you two are forming and if he wants something more, he’ll...

Dear Alexis, I've been with my boyfriend for almost a year. I think we're pretty serious. Is it time he met my whole family? -Sincerely, Your Favorite Cousin Dear Cousin,  Congratulations on you and your boyfriend’s long relationship! You've introduced him to your parents first, right? You should always do that before introducing him to the whole family. If everything goes well, or went well, with him meeting your parents and you as well as he feels like you’re both ready for the whole family to meet him, then go for it! If you don’t feel like you’re ready, or that he’s not ready, then that just means it’s not the right time and the right time will come. Do what you feel is right, but also run it by him to see what he thinks. Good luck!

Dear Alexis, I've known this girl for a long time and we have been talking somewhat seriously for the past couple of months. Is it worth it to risk the friendship for a relationship that might not work or should we just stay friends? -Anonymous    Dear anonymous, A friendship is the start and backbone for a new relationship. If the friendship is strong enough for you to consider dating someone, the friendship should be strong enough to support the relationship if it falls through. In a situation like this, you have to follow your heart and be a little courageous.  Make sure you respect her decision as well as yours. Relationships involve risks and who knows; maybe having the friendship you both share could even make the relationship better! 

Dear Alexis, My boyfriend and I have been together for a long time. From about 7th grade until our senior year, but we have major trust issues. We broke up for a while last year and dated other people; sometimes I still get the feeling that he wants to be with her instead of me. How do I tell him how I'm feeling without being accusatory? -Anonymous Dear anonymous, One of the keys to being in a successful relationship is trust and since you both have trust issues, I can see where you’d get the idea of him thinking you’re being accusatory. Has he given you any reason to think that he would rather be with her than you? If he has, address that situation and go from there. There’s no way to know exactly what he’ll say or think so the best way to tell him is just by being honest. Start off by telling him that you have feelings for him but you’re curious if he still have feelings for the girl he dated when you two  weren't  together. If he gets upset, he’ll get upset; the...