When should she reveal that she's been molested?

DEAR ABBY: I'm a 16-year-old girl, just starting to dip my toes into the dating scene. It's not that I haven't wanted a boyfriend in the past, but I live in a rural area where options are few.

I am becoming close with a guy who lives near me, and I care a lot about him. Therein lies the problem. We're getting to the point where we are finding out everything about each other. I love learning things about him, and I want to share myself entirely with him.

Lately we have been talking about the past. To make a long story short, my childhood was traumatic. From the age of 6 until age 11, I was molested by a family member. Although I am a virgin, when I'm with my friend, it's obvious that I have done certain things before.

I don't want to "unload my baggage" too early and scare him away, but if we are going to commit to each other, I feel it's important for him to know. When is a good point in the relationship to tell him, or in future relationships as well? Any advice you could give would help a lot!

- Dipping Toes in the Dating Scene

DEAR DIPPING: The answer depends upon how mature this young man is, because the information you're considering imparting to him is sensitive. How would you feel if this first relationship ended badly and he broadcast your history to the entire community? This has been known to happen - as we all know - with intimate photos.

Personally, I think it will be a while - a few years - before you will be ready for a truly committed relationship. I'm not saying you shouldn't have fun and romance in your life, but until you are absolutely sure that you are in a committed relationship, my advice is not to confide this.

If you haven't already received counseling for the trauma you experienced as a child, please consider it. Licensed counselors are ethically bound not to reveal what is discussed during sessions.