My girlfriend "loves and cares" about me, but says she needs a break
So I know this is cliché at this point and probably asked by many many people, I figured it would be nice to ask with my details as each one I've read as something different than my situation.
I've been dating this girl for a about just over a year, we were really good friends before we started dating and we both slowly fell for each other and it went from there. We took our relationship slow and we wanted to keep it you know logical and perfect, open no lies, all that, which was great and we both deeply enjoyed our relationship and started telling each other we love each other, all the things that happen, and we dated for about 8 months until she had to leave for college (which is about an hour plane flight away) before she left we had a very strong relationship and we talked about how distance would work out and agreed that we do care for each other and would not want to be with anyone else, so its worth trying, and I have plans of living in the same area as her in the near future as well and until we live near each other we have been seeing each other at least once a month and every break. Recently there have been a lot of stresses in both our lives really, but more so hers with her college life, and last week while in tears she told me she is confused because she loves me very much and I treat her amazing and she can't think of any other relationship being any better, but she is scared of the future and is confused, and feels like she needs to move on and make friends and make mistakes alone, but is also afraid because she doesn't want to lose me, and is just confused with what she wants in her life right now, oh and also said its scary because we are at a distance and our relationship is strong and it basically means we are moving toward the path of marriage and although she can't see anythign better she is scared of it and commitment. I reassured her not to be afraid and take the time she needs to think with "no contact", although it was hard at first to do NC on both sides we decieded if we wanted to give our relationship a chance we would have to be serious about NC and we are going strong on that, she visits at the end of February and I told her we would talk then and deciede what is best. Its hard because I've talked to her for everyday for over a year, she's my best friend and its hard not telling her about my life or waking up to a "i love you message". I do care for her and want the best for her and know giving her space is the best, but should I consider this as a break up and try to forget about her, I know there is truth in her confusion I just don't understand why it would take so long of NC to realize if she loves me or not? Also I was gonan send her flowers and a small note for valentines day before the break, is it OK if I still do that to show I care for her?