[yankeeliverpool]

My girlfriend and I have been together for nearly 4 years now. 2 years in high school and 2 in college. She means the world to me and we both look to each other for support. 3 months into our junior year, she asked me if we could have a break. She said that she wants to take a step back and enjoy college a little. She also said that she wants to make sure that I am the one she wants to be with for the rest of her life. Our relationship has been great and I have helped her get through some difficult times with a verbally abusive aunt from years ago among other things. She doesn't know how much time we should take off either. I have read everywhere that I need to give her the space she needs and that I need to have confidence that putting those 4 wonderful years into our relationship really left a lasting effect on her. I'm just struggling because I want to be with her and see her and be a couple. She told me that if I'm struggling with this break or if I want to talk that I can. Its been about a week now and I have days where I am just plain miserable and then a day or two where I think I can handle it.

The other day she was having difficulty with her project and I really helped her with late at night. She was so thankful and in the end said she loved and appreciated me. She also shoots me a text now and then to see how my day has been. Another thing, sorry if I'm all over the place, is that she said we should take this time to find ourselves and see if there are any other people out there for us or if we are both meant for each other. But a couple of days later she said that she can't fully be herself because in her mind she is still thinking about me. In December, she is also going back to her home in Viet Nam for a month and I told her that that would help in her reflection. I can't stop thinking about her. I busy myself with things but then some random thing makes me think about her again. I also prayed the other day to God and I got the feeling that she would come back to me. I really do love this girl and I understand her need for a break but why does it have to be so damn hard. I know that many people say move on and don't worry but that is so much more easier said than done. Why do girls feel this way? She said she wanted to make sure that on her wedding day that no one else could replace my spot. I totally understand that but I just hope she doesn't take some guy's flirtation and mistake it for a reason to date. I am by no means clingy although I do admit that I cried to her about the break ( and she did too) at first but then later told her I understand. She said she hated how this whole thing was making me upset. I guess I'm looking for advice and encouragement on what to do.