[Sciencewoman]

I advise a new chapter. During pref. night of extension week, one of the PNMs told me that her boyfriend (whom she'd been dating since HS, and they are both students at the same university) was the one who had really encouraged her to come to the extension recruitment events. They hung out together and with his guy friends, but most of her HS friends had gone to other schools and she hadn't made many new girl friends in college because she was always hanging out with him/the guys. He thought it would be good for her to meet more women and have her own set of friends. I thought that was the sign of a healthy relationship and quite mature of him. She is a charter member of the chapter, and was one of the first year Exec. Officers, and yes...they're still together.

The bottom line for me is that a significant other who tries to keep you from exploring individual interests and hanging out with other people, is probably not a good person to be with in the long-run. If your boyfriend is someone who supports your interests and activities, and encourages you when you want to try something new, then that's a good long-term sign.

My parents were high school sweethearts and have been happily married for 55 years. They spent months during senior year trying to convince each other to go to the university that was each one's favorite. In the end, my dad caved and they both went to Michigan State. He hated it, and transferred to Michigan the next year. She stayed at Michigan State. It all worked out. My HS boyfriend and I happily went our separate ways when we went off to college. I love the "why bring sand to the beach?" quote! That was my thinking, too, when I was 18.