My boyfriend and I have been together for eight months. He is a wonderful man but I do have some concerns about him. He never acts as if he is in a relationship with me when we are with family or friends. I don't expect him to be all over me all the time, but it would be nice if he just paid me some attention.

A couple of months ago I met an old friend at a party. I went to school with him and we were always keen on each other. I was very drunk on the night of the party and my friends tell me that I kissed him but I cannot remember. I told my boyfriend afterwards and although he was furious he forgave me.

My friends don't really like my boyfriend and he doesn't like them, which also complicates matters. I don't know anymore whether I should stay in this relationship. I don't feel excited about him like I did when we first met. Does this mean that I don't love him? I feel so confused and I don't want to make a mistake. Please help me.

Confused, Centurion

You need to look carefully at what you wrote in your letter. Your friends, and, more importantly, your family, don't like him and he doesn't like them, you cheated on him and he doesn't give you the affection that you need. This doesn't sound like a healthy, fulfilling relationship. If you truly loved your boyfriend you wouldn't have these doubts and you probably wouldn't have cheated on him. If your family and friends don't like him it makes life very difficult for you and you need to ask them what it is about him that they don't like. It is, however, natural in a new relationship for the initial feelings of excitement to fade. This happens in most relationships but it is replaced by feelings of comfort and security.

As for the other man you met at the party, I think you should forget about him as long as he is in a relationship.