Dear Panel,

I've been going out with this guy for a month now, although, I feel really insecure about it. I don't know if I can trust him, because he is a bit on the immature side. Like I don't know if he is serious about us or not. I really like him, but sometimes I don't know if he understands me.

He moves pretty fast, in which, from his last relationships they ended up fooling around or having sex way too soon. He knows that I respect myself, and he said that I am a change.

But maybe it's me; maybe I'm not ready for a relationship. He jokes around a lot about other girls to see my reaction. Like he phones me a lot, sends me e-mails, makes me feel good about myself, motivates me to achieve my goals.

I'm confused . . . what if I'm just a fling, or how do I know that he is ready for a committment. Please help!

-- AL [female aged 21, Canada]

Jeannie, Forrest, Lefty, and Sandy answer this question.