I AM a 22-year-old woman and my boyfriend is 27 years old. We have been together for six months. The problem I have is that he hardly ever spends time with me

He is employed full-time, studies and is also a keen sportsman.

He is also a very popular person and has a wide circle of friends. This leaves me right at the bottom of his list of his priorities.

I am really in love with him, but I don't think this is fair.

I spend so much time on my own waiting for when he has spare time for me.

When we are together, we have a wonderful time.

I cannot help but think that if he really loved me he would make the time to see me. Do you think I am being unreasonable?

- Unhappy in Love, Orange Grove

DUDU SAYS:

Many young couples expect to do everything together and spend every spare minute with each other when in fact that is unreasonable and unhealthy.

People, irrespective of whether they have a partner, need to develop their own identity and space, their own friends and hobbies.

You are feeling left out, which results in feelings of jealousy and insecurity.

It is so important for you to keep in contact with your friends and to develop some interests of your own.

This will boost your self-esteem and make you more confident and secure in your relationship.

You cannot rely on your boyfriend for all your needs.

Perhaps you should talk to your boyfriend about how you feel and perhaps there are compromises that you can reach together.

The jealousy you are feeling is such a negative emotion and in the long run will definitely end your relationship.

You are fortunate that your boyfriend is a well-rounded, ambitious person, who looks after himself.

It is time for you to focus on yourself and ensure that you also achieve the same attributes.