I'm having a bit of a problem, and there's really no one I really trust to help me, other than someone I don't know. I dated a guy for over a year, everyone assumed we we're perfect, and had a lot of encouragement. That ended, and I moved on to a much better guy. :) We've been dating for two months now.. he's 17, where I am 15, we're both in the same school, and the age difference is okay with me. Apparently not to other people. Everything feels good with him, I feel like I'm in love. He's romantic, and sweet, and just amazing, but other people (other than my friends) think he's weird.. and etc. They're really mean about us.. and there are already rumors going around that we had sex.. and we haven't! I don't know what to do, I know it's about me being happy.. but it hurts knowing what people say about us..and how they look at us when we're together.. I love him.. so how do I get past this? Thanks.

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

You get past it by realizing that their opinion has nothing to do with you and him, and everything to do with how obnoxious and shallow high school teeny-boppers can be. What a jungle. I wouldn't do it again for 10 million dollars in the bank, and a private jet! If you two get along, it's no one's business. And, yes, it is about you being happy. You certainly wouldn't tell me your mission in life is to make them happy. Rumors like this have gone on since the beginning of time. I had them said about me, too (imagine that). But I learned to understand what motivates people to do and say the things they do -- and it's often out of ignorance, jealousy and sheer boredom with their own lives. Ignore them as much as you can because, like the bullies on the playground, they only get their way when people play into their hands. Don't let it happen to you. It's said, "Living well is the best revenge." And that's what you're doing.  Now go have fun, with apologies to none.