I have a girlfriend who's leaving the country for a year to study in France. We've been dating a year and 6 months, and I really am in love, I think? But I don't know if I can handle a long distance relationship, I've never been able to in the past. She's twenty-one years old, and I'm twenty-three. She's my third girlfriend I've ever had. She is a wonderful, caring individual and I love everything about her, especially her family. Should we try to stay together, or let each other date around? Please respond as quickly as possible. Thanks,
Sincerely,
Young, Troubled and Yearning,
In Chicago, IL.
That's a toughie, and you're going to have to do some thinking. Whatever you decide, don't do the crazy thing, where you still are sorta together, but sorta seeing other people. You two will just end up hurting each other.
If you're head over heels crazy about her, and you want her in your life for a long time, try to stay in touch, but watch your phone bill! From my experience in the long-run it ends up hurting both of you even worse.
If you're too uncertain, call things off for now. You know what they say, "if you love somebody, set them free." And if they come back to you, then it was meant to be. If they don't, then you were meant to move on to someone new! We are ment to live, love and learn and we can not accomplish that by only loving other people. You must Love yourself more than anyone else before you decide to commit to any type of relationship.
You two are still young, and people change quite a bit at that age, especially when someone travels somewhere distant.
Good luck!
Miss Iris
