TeenHealthFX - Answers - Girlfriend Going Away To College

Significant Others: Girlfriends & Boyfriends / Question
Published: March 13, 2003

Dear TeenHealthFX,

Girl friend going away to College! My g/f and I have been goin out aboout a year now and things are getting more and more serious. The only problem is she cant decide wheather she is going to stay here and go to college for my sake or go out of state.. what should we do!

Signed: Girlfriend Going Away To College

Dear Girlfriend Going Away To College,

Making major decisions like where to go to college are tough, and factoring in a relationship can make the decision even more difficult. As a partner, it is important that you give your girlfriend the love and support to be able to make the best decision. This may mean helping her to make a list of what characteristics in a school are important to her (and her parents or whoever might be helping her finance her education). These factors may include; price, competitiveness, selection of majors, size, location, and atmosphere. Guidance counselors are specially trained to assist students in choosing schools that best fit their needs. It might really benefit your girlfriend to visit her guidance counselor (if she has not already done so). You might also look at the benefits of being apart including making new friends, testing your relationship to see if it can withstand distance, and both partners getting an opportunity to explore and grow as individuals so that you can make an even better couple. It is true that long-distance relationships take work, but sometimes distance is just what a couple needs to decide if this relationship can be long lasting. Check out "Long Distance Relationship" for thoughts from another teen who has dealt with a long distance relationship.

This decision will be difficult for both of you, regardless of which path you choose. But, by getting input and advice you are on the track to make a choice that you both will be able to feel comfortable with.

Signed: TeenHealthFX