The qvPapi Is In!
As your Dear Papi, I'd like to say that it's great to be here with you! I know that life can be challenging at times, but no matter what you're going through, or what's on your mind, I'm here for you so talk to me-even if it includes boy troubles. E-mail me at DearPapi@qvMagazine.com.

Dear Papi,
I met this guy on the internet, and we've been writing to each other every day now for the past two months. Recently, he offered to buy me a plane ticket so that we could meet in person. He seems like a nice guy, but what should I do? Shall I accept his offer or not? -Mark

Dear Mark,
I would advise you not to fly out to meet this guy, especially if you've talked to him for only two months. No matter how nice he is or how nice you are, I think it's a bit risky to jump into a plane, fly to another city, and meet someone you've never met before. I'd rather see you talk to him more on the phone and get to know him fully. This means knowing his background, knowing his family, and also talking to his family members about this guy. See what kind of a person he is because the more you know about him, the more you'll know if it's worth being with him, much less flying out to meet him. And if you're feeling in doubt right now, then simply don't go.

Dear Papi,
My roommate and I used to be boyfriends. We were together for eight months, and during that time, I really fell in love with him. Then, we broke up, but we decided to remain living together-just as friends. Now, I've been seeing other guys and want to invite them over, but I feel that it would be too weird if I invite them while my ex-boyfriend is still living with me. What should I do?

Dear Friend,
If you're feeling uncomfortable about bringing guys over to your house, then simply avoid doing so-at least for now. Of course, your roommate is not just a roommate, but someone with whom you've been intimate with and someone with whom you have had emotional ties with. Even though you say you're friends now, you can't erase the relationship memories of the past. If you're feeling uncomfortable, then this tells me that the best solution is for you or your ex-boyfriend to move out. You need to start fresh by putting yourself in a clean situation, especially where you won't feel uncomfortable about seeing your ex-boyfriend see you with a new guy, or worry about telling your new guy that you're still living with your ex-boyfriend. Good luck, mijo!

Dear Papi,
I recently turned 17, and no one really knows I'm QV except for my mom, my sisters and some of my closest friends. I started coming out last year and so far it's been cool, but now in school, some people are starting to know about me, and I'm getting my self-esteem put down. I fear that word might spread that I'm QV, and I'll be rejected. My mom doesn't want me to tell anyone about my sexuality because she cares about what other people think. It's not that I'm ashamed of who I am. It's just that I'm not ready to come out to everyone, yet! Could you give me some advice?

Dear Mijo,
It's certainly fine if you're not ready to tell "everyone" about your sexuality, but first and foremost, start telling yourself that you're fine just the way you are. Sexuality is a natural part of life and being QV falls within the normal realm of human sexuality. Start building your inner strength so that you'll be in control of your own feelings. In other words, if people find out about you, or if they think you're QV, you can confidently say, "So what?" instead of allowing them to put you down and to control your self-esteem. It's up to you to lift yourself up, and of course, it takes time to build the inner confidence, but keep telling yourself you are fine just the way you are, mijo!

Dear Papi,
I'm a 21 year old Latino. I'm cute, smart, have a good personality, and a good heart. But I can't find anyone who really fits me. I go out a lot in hopes that I'll meet that right guy, but all I'm doing is meeting guys who just want a one night stand. I even tried going online to meet some people, but that turned out to be pretty bad. Where are the good guys? I'm really in search of love, but I ran out of places to search. Where should I go or what should I do?

Dear Mijo,
You've probably heard the line, "You can't hurry love." Well, that line seems to be true in life so try not to search for love. Why? Because if you're searching for it, and if it doesn't happen, then you'll be setting yourself up for constant disappointments. What you can do, instead, is surround yourself with people who care about you, including your family and friends. Put yourself in a supportive atmosphere where you don't have to feel the need to search for love. During this time, you can certainly continue dating new guys-and have fun doing so. But remember when you're dating, don't search for love. Instead, be open to the possibility of love. If it happens, it happens, but don't look for it...let it happen naturally. There are a lot of good guys out there, so without any expectations, enjoy meeting them as friends. And when you least expect it, maybe one of your friendship might turn into something more.

Write to Dear Papi! Send an e-mail to dearpapi@qvmagazine.com. Please address all letters to Dear Papi.