[Jacks17]

Hello, I've been with my girlfriend for just gone 6 months. She has severe depression along with a lot of other things. We've been fine up till around now I mean we've argued before but what couples don't argue? You just sort it out and get on with it. About a week ago we were just talking and I was joking around with her but she took it seriously. She has bipolar so her mood changes basically instantly, she got really mad at me and stopped talking to me. We spoke later on and she said that we need a break, that she needs some space(this has happened before but we've just talked about it and carried on as normal) I've respected this and gave her space but it's just so hard. I'm 18 and she's my first love, do I just carry on giving her space? I don't want her to slip away from me. Any advice?

[Oliver2011]

“what does a break mean in a long distance relationship” – It means you should have expected it because long distance relationships rarely are successful.

You already give her the space because you two aren’t together. Seriously though why do you want the drama of someone who is bipolar? Move on and find someone in your own area, someone you can physically see and go out with and develop a typical relationship. Your first relationship doesn’t need the difficulties of being long distance.

[talaniman]

Long distance relationships are difficult for experienced long term couples, and darn near impossible for younger people, in new relationships. Throw in personal issues and you have big trouble. The first love doesn't have to be the last love, so be ready for the second love.

While you can hope for the best, you better plan for the worst. But above all leave her alone. She asked for space give it to her, and get your own life in order, and enjoy it without her in it.

[Jake2008]

If she wants/needs a break, it isn't necessarily because of bipolar, or any other mental illness. I get the impression that she simply wants a break, so give her one.

I agree that long distance relationships are difficult to maintain at the best of times, but eventually the distance becomes the problem, because without both parties being on the same continent/state/etc. things are impossible.

My advice to you is to find romance, locally. Instead of sitting on a computer finding love, find love in better places. The old fashioned way, which is to actually meet people in person, has a far greater chance of success, and a bonus being you get out in the world.

I know a first romance is very hard to get over, but in order to learn from it, you have to learn to accept that it is over. Be ready to never have the same level of interest with this person again, simply because it can't go anywhere, and let it go.