Hi,
I've been trying to find advice similar to the problem that i have, but decided to just post the problem instead. I've been going out with my girlfriend for almost a year and im very in love with her. I moved away to college 4-5 months ago and we've managed to stay together (she visits me a lot). I've met another girl that im interested in here and im not sure what to do. I've been experiencing insecurity about our relationship prior to meeting this girl. Mainly, i've been concerned with the fact that im 18 years old and i dont feel like i've had that much experience "playing the fields" so to speak. Not only in terms of sexual relations, but in terms of traveling and being an independent person whose identity is not tied up and mashed with someone elses. The issue of traveling and being independent i believe can be solved while staying in a relationship. It's more the fact that i want to sleep with other people that troubles me. I feel from what i've read like people seem to respond "if you love enough, you'll stay with her" or something along those lines, but i feel like this does not really help anyone in any specific practical way. I guess what im looking for is not "should i stay with her or not", because i know that nobody can answer that for me, but are these feelings simply due to my age that will go away, or is it the case that unless i go and experience other women the nagging doubts will also remain? One option that I considered was taking a break and being allowed to see other people. She, however, has said that she is not interested in other people, so this would be purely initiated from my side and i feel like it would not be fair to lead her along. Im not sure that i want to break up with her though. As i said, i love her very much and i cherish what we have together. What im looking for here is not really opinions, because those will not help me either way. Does anyone know of specific studies, psychological studies, or have person stories of taking a break to see other people and getting together and living happily. or is this just a fairy tale to soften the blow?
