From Deseret News archives:

Girlfriend faithful — within city limits

Published: Friday, July 22, 2005 12:00 a.m. MDT

Help Me, Harlan!, King Features Syndicate Inc.

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Dear Harlan: My current girlfriend has an admitted issue with long-distance boyfriends. She actually cheated on a boyfriend before being with me, but she says that she is not a cheater when someone is "in town."

My first question is, have you ever heard of this, and is it normally true?

The second question: Should I be worried if she leaves on a trip or if I do?

Thanks! — Girlfriend Problem

Dear Girlfriend Problem: Imagine if a girlfriend came with a coverage map, similar to a cellular phone's. The green areas would be the faithful zones, and the red areas would be the unfaithful/roaming areas. Coverage area is based on the emotional energy a girlfriend is willing to invest.

From the looks of her map, yours is not willing to invest much. She's ready to commit only as long as it's safe, easy and available.

A more serious girlfriend would love you and stay with you no matter where you traveled — together or apart. Sure, your girlfriend is probably very capable of being faithful, but only under certain conditions.

If you're looking for something serious and reliable, find a girlfriend with a better coverage area who isn't all over the map.

Dear Harlan: I've been depressed for more than three years. I began cutting and attempting suicide about a year ago, until I was found out.

I was then sent to a hospital, where I stayed for a good amount of time. I am in a relationship with someone I can see myself being with. Its been going well for this long, and we have never had an argument except for about stupid things, such as who's going to pay and what not.

Being home is too much for me to handle, and the only time I am happy is when I am with my boyfriend. He is getting an apartment soon. I need information on how old you must be to move out legally, or at least so the police won't pull me back into my home.

And can my boyfriend get in trouble if I am underage and he is 18. Since we might be moving in together, I want to make sure he and I can't get in trouble. — Leaving Home

Dear Leaving: Generally, the age of majority, or the age you can legally move out, is 18, but laws vary (contact your local authorities and check out the book "Teen Rights," by Traci Truly).

BUT, before running, make sure you know what you're running from. Problems travel easily. If home isn't the problem, you risk isolating yourself from people who love you. Yeah, your boyfriend can help, but at 18, he needs to take care of himself. Should you break up, you'll be left with only yourself.