Girl and Guy are in a relationship, and in love.
Long Story Short, my girl has been a lot places, experienced a lot of things, had a lot of independence, and has lived a lot of life. I on the other hand, haven't had the same freedoms, experiences, or independence.
* We're on two diff levels.
I've recognized this dynamic for quite a while, and while it doesn't bother her (she's talking about settling down, getting married, etc..), it's a contrast that bothers me, and essentially renders me incapable of bringing as much to the relationship.
More recently, I've afforded the funds / opportunity to continue my education in Chicago, and I'm thinking of relocating a few months before school starts so I can adjust to the city. However my girl got an apartment with a girlfriend a couple months back, so she'll be here (Indianapolis) for another year.
I've reached the classic crossroad of Love v. Life.
* So IC, G&S ~
Would it be better to end the relationship, finally experience independence, freedom, growth, gain some self-awareness (Me), and ultimately risk losing Love to live Life?
Or would it better to stay in a relationship (long distance upon relocation, obviously), never experience true independence, freedom, growth, only gain self-awareness relative to our relationship (We), and ultimately risk not living Life to stay in Love?
Yes, we've known each other since high school, always been good friends.
Yes, we've held down a long distance relationship before, relationship is coming up on two years.
No, we haven't had any issues and we have amazing, long lasting chemistry.
Yes, she'd move in with me after her lease is up if we stayed together.
Thoughts?
Spoiler:
* Girl, 22 ~
~ Had a relatively free childhood / teen years, Rents were permissive, allowed experimentation and independence ..
~ Has had the opportunity to travel much of the US, visited Canada, Mexico, Caribbean as well ..
~ Went Away to school out of town, Graduated, got a good job straight out of school ..
~ Has been in a reasonable number of relationships, none as serious as current relationship (with Guy) ..
* Guy, 23 ~
~ Had a sheltered, home-based childhood / teen years, Rents were strict and frugal ..
~ Hasn't had the opportunity to Travel anywhere, for vacation, family or otherwise ..
~ Went to school in town, took two years off, going back Spring 2014 ..
~ Has been in a few relationships, none as serious as current relationship (with Girl) ..
~ Had a relatively free childhood / teen years, Rents were permissive, allowed experimentation and independence ..
~ Has had the opportunity to travel much of the US, visited Canada, Mexico, Caribbean as well ..
~ Went Away to school out of town, Graduated, got a good job straight out of school ..
~ Has been in a reasonable number of relationships, none as serious as current relationship (with Guy) ..
* Guy, 23 ~
~ Had a sheltered, home-based childhood / teen years, Rents were strict and frugal ..
~ Hasn't had the opportunity to Travel anywhere, for vacation, family or otherwise ..
~ Went to school in town, took two years off, going back Spring 2014 ..
~ Has been in a few relationships, none as serious as current relationship (with Girl) ..
Long Story Short, my girl has been a lot places, experienced a lot of things, had a lot of independence, and has lived a lot of life. I on the other hand, haven't had the same freedoms, experiences, or independence.
* We're on two diff levels.
I've recognized this dynamic for quite a while, and while it doesn't bother her (she's talking about settling down, getting married, etc..), it's a contrast that bothers me, and essentially renders me incapable of bringing as much to the relationship.
More recently, I've afforded the funds / opportunity to continue my education in Chicago, and I'm thinking of relocating a few months before school starts so I can adjust to the city. However my girl got an apartment with a girlfriend a couple months back, so she'll be here (Indianapolis) for another year.
I've reached the classic crossroad of Love v. Life.
* So IC, G&S ~
Would it be better to end the relationship, finally experience independence, freedom, growth, gain some self-awareness (Me), and ultimately risk losing Love to live Life?
Or would it better to stay in a relationship (long distance upon relocation, obviously), never experience true independence, freedom, growth, only gain self-awareness relative to our relationship (We), and ultimately risk not living Life to stay in Love?
Yes, we've known each other since high school, always been good friends.
Yes, we've held down a long distance relationship before, relationship is coming up on two years.
No, we haven't had any issues and we have amazing, long lasting chemistry.
Yes, she'd move in with me after her lease is up if we stayed together.
Thoughts?