| 
This is one of those topics where everyone pulls on their own unique life experience, but here's what I think anyway. I actually had/have a situation identical to yours, except I am the guy, and she is the one with the experiences. I think it is very good that you are thinking about this right now, and would encourage you to lightly bring this topic up as often as you feel necessary with your boyfriend. When I first met my wife, I understood that she had been with a few people (she had a 1 y/o son), and let her know that that was no problem for me, and that I felt no judgement about any of it. Over the years, however, she mentioned that she had also been with so-and-so, and also so-and-so, and after a while I began to feel very overwhelmed and small. Especially since I knew that a few of her relationships had been highpoints in her life and, being that we went to the same schools, I also knew these people. I don't pretend to have all the answers on this one, but I am a strong believer in honesty, even though some truth hurts. The issue that I see is that there needs to be a lot of understanding on both parts about how the other person feels. It is an emotional topic, and the feelings involved are all valid. I would suggest that you and your boyfriend decide early on that this is a topic that either of you can bring up in the future, and the other person will respect feelings enough to be sensitive and talk, and not feel attacked or judged.
"Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time"
|