Dear Miss Emily:

Well my boyfriend and I have been going out for almost 8 months. I am 15 and he is 17. The past 2 months he doesn't really send me cute paragraphs anymore. I know I'm over exaggerating, but he also takes longer to reply and what not. He used to care if I never relied but, now, he doesn't care. When we are together it's still the same, and he tells me he loves me. What do I do?

------------------------------Miss Emily's advice-------------------------

What happens in the beginning of a relationship, is that both parties are usually in best behavior mode. The excitement of it often allows going above and beyond normal behavior. I have known males, for example, who talked on the phone for hours at the start of a relationship. But the truth be told, they didn't really like talking on the phone in normal circumstances -- yet put out the effort for a while. And so, as a relationship wears on, each person becomes who he, or she really is and, maybe, he's simply settled into the comfort zone. Now, that said, relationships can get stale, and it's up to each of you to keep it fresh if there is still love for each other, and a commitment. A relationship, however, can run its course. Talk to him about it. But you can't go about it from neediness (insecurity), or that you'd be mortally wounded were he to be forthcoming. It's a simple frank discussion about where the relationship stands. Make him know that if he has any doubt about being in this relationship, you understand. But open communication is best for any couple, and a reality check is never bad to put your mind at ease.