I'm sixteen and Henry is seventeen. We've known each other for half a year, and have been going out together for the past few months. I would like to keep in touch with my girl friends, but I seldom see them any more because Henry wants me to go out with him every weekend. I've also stopped mixing with other boys because he doesn't like it.
Many couples who pair off make the mistake of becoming exclusive, that is, they go out with each other only, and do not invite others to join them in their activities. Because life has so many new experiences to offer, young couples especially need to take care to remain open to other people, and to allow each other space to grow individually. It is important that each person should be able to grow in his or her relationships with other friends, and to take up hobbies or interests that the other partner may not be interested in.
At your age, you should make a special effort to mix around with different people, both boys and girls. Part of growing up is getting to know yourself (your strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes, etc), and this comes from putting yourself in a variety of situations. Furthermore, no man or woman is born complete, and you will need the social skills that come from having observed how other people may think, feel and behave under different situations. This will help you later on in your social life, in your career, and in choosing your life partner. If you haven't mixed around much, you may even wonder after marriage if you have married the right person.
It would be healthier if you do not date one person only until you are older and more ready. While it is nice to have a boyfriend to talk to and to go out with whenever you feel like it, having a steady at your age also brings many problems. Since there are generally more disadvantages than benefits, it would be better for you to have the freedom to mix around freely. You should make this clear to him, and not be afraid to assert yourself if what he asks of you is not for your good or his