Dear Pastor,

I am a 23-year-old Jamaican studying full-time at a university abroad. I do well in school and have a few friends. But I would really like to be in a relationship because sometimes, many times, I feel very alone. Although I have been emotionally involved with someone before, I am still a virgin. I am not very attractive and I think this may be the reason why I have not yet found somebody. It may also be due to the fact that I rarely meet new people. I don't even know how to go about finding someone.

The fact that I am in a new country only adds to the problem. What can I do?

J. W., New York, USA

Dear J. W.,

You are going to be fine. Some students at universities abroad go through tough times, especially if they are not promiscuous. There are male students who are like wolves; they are eager to make friends with foreign female students because they know they can become very lonely and even homesick. Many female students fall into the trap of these 'nice guys' who were only interested in sleeping with them.

It is natural for you to want to meet new people and even to have a boyfriend, but don't be in a hurry. Join some of the social organisations on campus and you will meet new people. Find a church and become active in the youth movement, and you will not feel lonely anymore. They will invite you everywhere.

Pastor