Hi BeingGirl Experts,

I met this amazing guy over the Internet. His name is Bobby and he lives in Georgia, but our relationship is a long distance one because I live in Arizona. He and I have known each other for a few months before we started going out. He seems like "he's the one" for me; we already say, "I love you," to each other, and we want to spend the rest of our lives with each other. He even said he wants to marry me, and I told him I want to, too.

The thing is we are only 15 and 16 years old and that we have never met, but it's like we are exactly alike. He may even come and see me later this year. Do you think it's true love and that our relationship will work out well or what?

Julie

---

Julie,

As wonderful as the Internet is, it can be a place for serious trouble. The Internet is a place where many people waste time. There are people who are there to take advantage of you. A relationship on the Internet is not the type of relationship you need to be involved in.

If you are involved in a relationship online, are your parents aware of your interests in this person? Your parents need to help you know if you are putting yourself in the way of harm, or if this is a pen pal relationship that you can continue. I would suggest that you should be spending less time on the Internet and moving forward in your community.

When you meet someone online there is no way to know if they are a predator or not. Understand that predators hang out in places online where kids and teens hang out. Online a person can be anyone they want to be, and this is a very dangerous truth about the Internet. The Internet is not a place to have a real-life relationship.

Get involved in an activity that you enjoy. You'll meet teens that share your interests and you'll have fun. You'll make new friends while you are working towards a common goal. This is the healthy way to meet other teens.

Please listen to what we have said about the Internet and your safety,

Your BeingGirl Experts