MOVE IN WITH MY BOYFRIEND?

Everybody's Uncle ---

     My parents are moving and I was given permission from my boyfriend and his mother that I could stay with them to finish out the school year and go to college in my hometown like I was trying to do.

My Mother says that I have to go live with them no matter where they are moving. I have a steady job that pays rather good money.  I have one more year left in school that I would like to finish out here in my hometown.  The only problem is, I don't know what is the "legal" age to move out.  Here I hear that you can move out at age 17 (actually here there are many things you may do at 17). I just have no clue if I'm going about this the right way. Age wise I mean. I would appreciate your help.  Thank you.

-Confused
 
P.S. I live in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

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Dear Confused,

Your question is easy for me but very difficult for you.

Sometimes the most difficult thing to do in life is to say no to your emotion of the moment, and allow clear thinking to select the best road for the future. That is exactly what you must do to avoid serious problems in the very near future.

Responsible adults are supposed to guide teenagers, not provide housing for their son's underage RUNAWAY girlfriend. Providing such housing against the will of her parents is either illegal, brainless or both.

Illegal and brainless aside, think of the position you put yourself in. Your boyfriend and his mother will rule you. What happens when they get fed up with you? (And they will.) What happens if your family does not want to take you back? You are out on the street. Does your current job provide enough income to pay your own rent, expenses and college? NOT LIKELY! What then?

Uncle Jim understands how teenagers think and feel. Mostly they feel - rarely they think.
It is a winning bet that your desire to stay where you are - is all about your boyfriend, not about school.
It is a winning bet that after the hormones play themselves out, your boyfriend will be seeking other conquests.
It is a winning bet that his mother is totally clueless as to the legal and social complications lurking around the corner.
It is a winning bet that you will become an unwanted guest in your boyfriend's house.
It is a winning bet that if your pursue this course of action you will cause problems at home.
Depending on your exact age, the law, and the action of your parents, you could be dragged kicking and screaming from your boyfriend's house. His mother could face legal action for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
You could get pregnant.

Here is a reasonable course of action:
Go with your parents willingly, (you might have to go anyway) they will love you for showing some maturity.
If there is any substance to the relationship you have with your boyfriend it will not only survive the separation it will strengthen it.
Concentrate on becoming your own person. Get a solid foundation that leads to self-sufficiency. When you are able to pay for your own rent, your own food, your own expenses; then, and only then, should you make life altering decisions.

If you have a spine and a brain attached, print out several copies of this commentary. Give a copy to your parents, your boyfriend and his mother. Two days later discuss all issues with all parties. Let logic prevail. This will take some maturity. Do you have what it takes or are you just a mindless kid?

Winning bet: if you go with your parents, within one to three months you will find a new love, so will your boyfriend.

If you do the stupid, this commentary will haunt you for the rest of your life.

Here if you need me,
Uncle Jim