In a message dated 8/7/99 12:07:34 PM Eastern Daylight Time, lost_hopes@hotmail.com writes: << I've been sixteen for a while. -Carl >> Good. That's a good point of view for 16. When you stop being 16 (and many of us don't do that until we hit at least 30 :) ) it'll become clear that the quickest way to be disillusioned with relationships is to expect too much from them. SHEESH I could reallllly run with this one :). On the woman's side, I've most often seen them put off by men who "make them their religion," because they're a bit uncomfortable up there on a pedestal, don't really respect you're POV of them (being inaccurate), and don't really feel like you know them for who they are. That is, if they're the least bit intelligent and mature. If not, they'll jump into the relationship with legs wide open simply because you're a boost to their ego. After not too long, however, they'll lose respect for you. And you'll resent her for being, well, herself :) In other words, not a goddess. The best way to go into relationships is to see her for who she is, you for who you are, and for the two of you to be best friends. Plenty of romance within this context too :) But on a much more solid foundation. Good luck :) I know this is meaningless, and you won't appreciate a word of it until after you quit being 16. Jim