Dear Panel,

I am an 18-year-old female. This is the first time I've been involved in a serious relationship. Mike is 20-years-old, was incarcerated 3 years ago, but turned his life around. He has a son, and was in love once but cheated on his girlfriend. She broke up with him.

In the past, he told my best friend he was attracted to her. I managed to forgive him and two months later, we got back together.

I'm Not Supposed to See Him

My parents told me that I wasn't allowed to see Mike because he's not the type of guy I should be with, considering his past. However, I continued talking to him until my parents found out that I'd been sneaking to see him.

I Lost My Parents Trust

I lost my parents trust, and they think I'm stupid because they feel Mike doesn't care about me at all. Now I'm not allowed to contact any of my friends or Mike. Plus all my privileges are gone.

My Friends Say He's Cheating

Before this happened, my best friend Jane kept telling me that I am wasting my time with Mike and that I should just forget him. After all that I went through to be with him, the idea that I care so much about a person who doesn't care about me is unthinkable. Especially now, that my friend thinks he's cheating on me. I hate to think I fought for this relationship in vain.

Now I'm Suspicious

I tried calling him and he's never home. Now it's starting to look suspicious, because I called him at 9 am on a Saturday morning and he wasn't home. Where could he be? I don't know who to believe anymore. After all that I went through, this is the worst thing he could do to me right now.

Should I talk to him and find out if he is cheating, or cut off all contact like my friend suggests?

Female, age 18, New York

Natalie, Megan, Aaron, and Reese answer this question.