Dear Auntie Kate:Hi there. I am 24 and I am in love with my 17 year old cousin. I live in New Zealand and she lives in Samoa. We met for the first time when I went to Samoa on holiday in 1997. She visited me in 1998 and I returned with her to Samoa for another holiday. We really got close and I know she loves me and I love her too. When I returned to NZ I was shattered and I would always write to her and I still do every week. I cannot reach her by phone so I always write. She writes to me too but I am now getting concerned because I have not heard from her in three months. There may be many reasons why she could not write. I trust her with my life. Honestly, not hearing from her is slowly driving crazy. I hope you can give me some advice, I guess I needed someone to talk to.
Dear PP,
Sounds like your cute little cousin has you right by the heartstrings!
PP, I don't have any information about your cousin's stage in life or living arrangements, so I'm shooting from the proverbial hip with my suggestions.
First, why don't you call someone in Samoa who is a mutual friend, and see if there is news? Perhaps a mutual friend can arrange a call.
Your cousin's stash of intimate letters from you may have been found! Her parents may have prohibited her from writing. Or even worse, at seventeen young women don't always have the focus and attention span to remain the one and only of even the handsomest and most loving boyfriend - who she sees annually. Perhaps she's depressed, lost patience and feels your relationship is simply over, or at a dead end. You are right - there are many reasons she may not write.
PP dear, you have to get in touch with her somehow. If you plan to make this girl an important part of your life, you had better prepare for a permanent house guest or a move to Samoa. Seventeen is a bit young, so have a little patience. Your Aunt Kate would wait a few years before making a permanent commitment, but PP sweetie, you sound so caught up with her I just can resist encouraging you to hope for the best, and be prepared to accept the worst.
Good luck with telephones, and AirNZ!
Your
Aunt Kate
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