I'm a teenager, and while I definitely understand how you feel, I have a few opinions on teenage love I'd like to share with you.

I'd definitely believe true love exists, first of all, as a rare and beautiful thing for teenagers.

However, love and understanding go hand in hand. At this age, what makes dating so hard is the fact that everyone (especially the boys) is still growing and changing mentally and emotionally. You may totally connect with someone one day, then the next you have no idea why they're acting different or saying strange things.

So whether or not two teens are in it for the long haul depends on their mutual maturity. Each person must know themselves, ultimately. And unfortunately, teenagers (girls particularly) are more or less the ones who look for relationships as a way to cope with their own immaturity.

If that's not the case, and you're both mature people, then you've got a good shot at love.

Aside from that, I don't think you should worry about him dumping you. Not over "letting your guard down," since that's pretty much a necessity for a close relationship.

Best of luck to you!