As summer vacation is about at a mid-point, I know that there are a lot of high school sweethearts who have graduated and wondered what the next chapter holds for them as they move on to college.
Maybe the pair has committed to the same college because they both genuinely like the school, or solely because they want to stay together, or both. Then, there are couples who have decided to go to separate schools based on each of their needs. Or perhaps, you may be like me where one person is going off to college and the other one is still in high school.
Therefore, these couples have to decide the inevitable question: Should we break up when summer ends, or continue the relationship and go long distance? As they ponder this question, they will hear several people voice their opinion. They may even read an Odyssey article that explains why it's okay to stay together, or another article where it says they are better off breaking up.
When I entered college leaving my boyfriend behind in high school (which is an hour away), I've heard several responses about my relationship that include, "You guys are not going to last", "You know that high school students change over time, right?". However, I've also had my friend throw me under the bus when I told him that I might break up with my boyfriend if he has to move out of state due to his dad's job. After leaving a military relationship, I've realized that super long distance relationships are not for me, but my friend basically told me that I would be "abusive" towards my boyfriend if I broke up with him for that reason.
It is a hard choice, I know, especially if so many people are giving you advice all at once. But you know what? Forget them. What do you want to do?
You both may agree that you two have had a great run, but going separate ways and entering a new stage in life would be too hectic to try and maintain a long distance relationship for a long period of time. Therefore, you want to be safe than sorry and try to end things on a positive note rather than an ugly one, and that's okay. It doesn't mean that you guys do not love each other enough, it means that you guys do love each other enough to accept that it may not be best for you guys to continue a long distance relationship and are willing to go separate ways for the other person to be truly happy. After all, if it is meant to be, then you guys will eventually cross paths again.
However, you both may agree that the relationship should still continue despite of what is to come. Despite of the fact that the relationship will be harder due to the circumstances, and that there is a big risk involved, it is better than not having each other at all. While there is the chance that it may not last, there is also the chance of surviving it all and being together forever in the long run. When life gets stressful, you will always have each other's backs and will be there for each other no matter what. Just remember, communication is the key.
With all of that being said, if you are in this situation, I suggest that you talk to your significant other to see what each of you really want and come into an agreement of what you both want, not what the other people are telling you. It is y'all's decision and nobody else's, no matter what they say. As long as you both are happy and know that the decision will benefit the both of you in the long term, then that is all that really matters. Good luck.
