Ask Sam

I'm thirteen years old and I've been dating a boy for over a month. We started dating on the third of may. He's seventeen. I know this sounds messed up. I know it's against the law, but no one understands. We care deeply for one another. He's promised to never pressure me into anything and he promised never to take advantage of me. Recently, some teachers at school found out about our relationship and told me to break up with him. The only problem is... I can't. It sounds silly to hear a thirteen year old girl talk about being in love, but I think I am. He's not four full years older than me. Three years and ten months, give or take a few weeks to be exact. We understand that it is against the law, but we're taking the risk for one another. The teachers didn't even ask if he makes me happy, or if he treats me right. He does make me happy. A lot. And he treats me how you would expect a boyfriend to treat a girlfriend. I think that because he's older, they automatically presume that he's going to take advantage of me. He's not going to, though. Yes, he has hugged me. Yes, we have kissed, but that's as far as it will go. He knows I don't want to have sex until I'm at least eighteen, and he's okay with that. When my life was falling apart, he was there to help me out and make me feel better. If he makes me happy, treats me right, won't pressure me and won't take advantage, then what's the problem? Our parents are fine with it. Our friends are fine with it. They support the relationship. Why do the teachers invade my personal life? Why must they insist on telling me to break up with him, when they know I won't? I in love with him, Sam. Truly, madly and deeply. What would your advice be about the teachers?