How do I make sure that I am building a strong foundation for a new relationship? I always believe in taking small steps, but my boyfriend prefers big gestures because he thinks that this forces us to take things more seriously. I love him a lot and really want this to work, but I also have days where I think we are moving too quickly and it worries me. I have seen this happen before and those relationships have ended because I have found that the person I was dating turned out to be quite different as time passed. I want to avoid that, hence my need to go slow, but it’s incompatible with his approach to dating. What should we do?
You and your boyfriend are the only ones who can resolve this because you alone have the power to define all aspects of this relationship. Different approaches are perfectly normal because you are individuals with minds of your own, but strong relationships are built by listening to each other and slowly coming towards a place of acceptance. This sometimes involves compromises at every level, because you are learning things about each other and recalibrating your needs and expectations. Talk about it often, don’t feel as if you are being coerced to move quickly, and insist on space when you need it because pushing back helps set boundaries.

I’m heartbroken because someone I have been dating online admitted to cheating on me. We haven’t even met in real life yet. He wants me to forgive him and give him another chance because he says he wouldn’t have done anything if we were together in person. Should I listen to him?
Forgiveness is your call but, if someone isn’t respectful enough at the start of a relationship, irrespective of whether it is online or in person, that is information about their character. You can choose to dismiss it or listen to what it’s telling you because this can save you from a lot more pain down the road.