Not ready to commit

Dear Christine, WHILE I do not read your column everyday, a friend suggested I write to you about my problem.

For the last two years, I have been going out with a girl whom I love very much. She is 18 and I am 20. I will be attending university overseas later this year. She will remain here to go to college.

My problem is that she is already talking about marriage and children.

I am now hearing from some of her friends that she’s disappointed I haven’t even spoken about getting engaged before I leave the island.

I don’t want her to think I don’t care for her, because I do. I’m just not ready to commit. I need some advice. What do you think I should do?

– G.H.

Dear G.H, Talk frankly to this young woman. Tell her you love her but that you’re not ready to propose or even make any promise to do so.

The only thing both of you should be focused on right now is your education.

You’ll meet new people along the way who will enable you to grow as individuals before you make any lifetime commitments.

Cherish the time apart but remain in contact.

If you’re meant to be together time or distance won’t matter.

– CHRISTINE