'He wants me to go out with him...'

Dear Diana

Dear Diana,
I have been friendly with this guy for a while now. We have been talking a lot on the phone and hanging out together at malls besides watching movies together. Now, he wants me to spend an entire day with him. He has not told me where we are heading to, but says it will be a long drive. I am confused whether I should go with him. So far, he has been nice and cordial. He does not seem to be in a rush to do anything. But now his insistence on going on a long drive has put me in a quandary. I wonder why he is insisting on it. I have told him that I do not mind hanging out with him for a greater part of the day, but going out of town is scaring me. What should I do?
- Vedita

Illustration/Uday Mohite

Dear Vedita
If you know him well and trust him, you can go out with him. This is his way of knowing you better and perhaps telling you those magical three words, "I love you." At the same time, your fears and apprehensions are justified as he is insistent. You have said that he has not forced you into anything, but now seems a bit impatient. If he cares for you and loves you, he will not do anything that you are uncomfortable with or are not ready for. You need to express your fears to him. I am sure he will understand and explain what he has planned. He could have lined up a surprise for you - the reason why he is being cagey about it. Whatever his plan, you need to tell him what is going on in your mind.