Compared to most teens, my boyfriend and I have a great relationship. We pray together, we hope to marry, and when we're physical, I'm OK with it. It's moral to me (even if others disagree). But is there anything we can do to improve our relationship?

I'm glad to hear that you guys care for each other and that you pray with each other. So what can you do to improve the relationship? Give it entirely to God. Do not compare yourself others in with worse relationships, but with Christ. I remember while dating Crystalina, she said to me, "Jason, our purity is our superglue." And it is so true. Purity that requires sacrifice and the giving up of your desires for the love of God is what unites a couple above anything else. As Mother Teresa said, "Love, to be real, it must hurt. It must empty us of self."

When it comes to physical expressions of love, just because I'm comfortable with doing something does not mean that it is pleasing to God. You mentioned that what you are doing is moral to you, but perhaps immoral to others. But this raises the big question: who determines what is moral? Us, or God? When we create our own system of values, we're basically playing God and telling him what our commandments are.

If you're certain that your actions are pure, ask yourself if you would do them in the sight of Mother Teresa. Also consider the constant presence of your guardian angels in the room, as well as the presence of God. If all these spiritual considerations seem like a huge buzz kill, then perhaps it's a sign that you're not entirely convinced that the affections are moral. We may justify them as harmless, but are they pure?

All too often, couples find out the hard way that what starts with a little passion gradually consumes them. But, it happens so gradually for couples who consider themselves in love that they hardly realize how far they've progressed. They may think, "Well, we've done this before, and going a little further isn't a huge deal. It's not like we're going all the way." With this mentality, the whole relationship can be torn down in time. They're so busy thinking about what they're not doing that they never stop and realize what they are doing.

If you want your relationship to be as perfect as it can get, then draw closer to God. Only He can perfect your love, since He is the source of love. The closer you get to Him, the more perfectly you will be able to love others.