Hello. I have been with my boyfriend for nearly 11 months now. It has been going well, except for the past month or so.
I am a college student and consider myself to be a hardworking, ambitious individual. My boyfriend on the other hand does not go to school and does not have a job. I have tried to encourage him to go to community college or some type of school, but he has not made any effort to do so. He told me that he doesn't think he needs a college degree for what he wants to do (which is not true at all, epescially if you want to be successful in this economy). He also often complains about his living situation, yet he has not made an effort to get a job in order to move out. This did not bother me initially since I thought maybe it was just a phase, but it has been almost a year and no changes have been made.
Another problem is that he can be very negative. He tends to speak his mind if he doesn't like something or thinks something is not how he thinks it should be. This does not bother me, in fact, I somewhat admire the ability to speak your mind. However, he does not know when not to do so and has said things that have really hurt me. Being a typical female, I did not tell him. I know I should have, but I have a hard time confronting people.
I am unsure if I want to end the relationship. I still love him, but am having a hard time with the above problems. I hate to think this, but I figure if these things are present now, then they are most likely going to stay. He tells me that I am the best thing to happen to him, and he wants to marry me one day. I did too, but I do not know if these issues can last in a relationship. I would feel absolutely horrible for breaking up with him, but I realize I have to take care of myself. Also, he has told me that after past break-ups, he tends to drink excessively. This worries me more than anything, especially since our realtionship is long distance.
I am completely lost on what to do and am afraid of both outcomes...and that is why I am here! I figured some somewhat unbiased advice would help me out tremendously. I appreciate it!