The Next Level

Dear Mr Trivia,

I met Jeff (not his real name) in high school last year. But we really got to know each other better when he started coming to my church. After six months or so of being on the same committees and organizing events together, we started seeing each other out of church and school.

We really ‘clicked’. Jeff is an amazing guy and is really mature for his age (18).

He is now working in photocopy repair and I have a job at the local library - life seems to better than I could have ever believed possible. The thing is, we can see ourselves marrying and having a family together. We talk about it all the time. But I am concerned. Because of the way we were raised, we still haven’t done all the things that a lot of other couples of our age might have done by this time.

Jeff is okay with this. And I mostly am as well, but sometimes I wonder if it wouldn’t be better if we “took our relationship to the next level” if you know what I mean?

Concerned,
Tinkersville
Philadelphia



Dear Concerned,

You are both so young. Having a joint account is a huge step in the life of a couple. Can Jeff handle money well? Can you? What are your budgeting skills like? Would you consider Jeff a spendthrift or a miser – because neither is good in a relationship. Do you find yourselves continually borrowing money?

These are questions you must sit down and ask of yourselves in an atmosphere of complete honesty.

The chief factors affecting relationships the world over are money and sex. Thankfully this time your problem is financial rather than sexual.

Regards,

Mr Trivia