Dear Panel,

I am 16-years-old living with both parents, very much in love with my wonderful boyfriend of 4 months. My boyfriend's name is Steven. He is 16-years-old and he is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am very much in love with him.

The thing is, he has been in trouble in the past with the law and stuff.

I Think Sex Is Fine, My Parents Don't

My parents did like him but then we had sex. Now they are so mad at both of us and want us to break up. I don't think it's right but I want to hear another opinion. My mom and my dad are REALLY mad at me and my boyfriend. They think that premarital sex is very bad. I think that since Steve and I are in real love that it should be fine.

My Mom Found My Condom Wraper

On Wednesday, my mom was cleaning the house and found an empty condom wrapper in the toilet. She asked me whose it was and I told her the truth, that it was mine. She went CRAZY! She made ME tell my dad that I was having sex. I told him and he went off on me. He started calling Steve bad names and saying that he is no good for me. I went to my room, bawling my eyes out.

I Love Him

I REALLY love Steve and I would have never had sex with him if I didn't love him. I know that my parents are just concerned but I think they need to see that I love Steve and that we want to be together. I know that they are mad right now, but I am hoping to work something out in the future where they forgive Steve and let me see him again.

I really do love him. Help! What can I do to make my parents trust Steve and I again and how can I make them like Steve again?

Female, age 16, USA

Aaron, Foxy, Kristea, and Megan answer this question.