Should I have a girl friend?

Dear Counsellor, I AM a 20-year-old, first year student at Makerere University. Having been brought up in a strict environment, I have never had a girl friend. Now that I have freedom, should I get one and have fun like my friends?P.K., Kampala.Dear P.K.,You do have a big decision to make. It is always important to calculate your steps before you make a move. There is nothing wrong with having a girl friend. However, in getting a girl friend, what are your goals? Do you want to experiment what you have learnt from friends, or are you simply looking for company?You may want to have fun like your friends but you need to remain yourself and know why you are at university. Remember, you are responsible for every decision you make. The consequences will always fall back on you, not on your friends.You can interact with ladies freely with no strings attached. They can make good productive friends. If you want to draw close to them for sexual gains, think of the possible consequences, on your education, in particular and your life generally. Do not rush into this, take your time.