She [26F] left for 5 years of vet school and I [35M] need insight into how I should go about it

This definitely stems from your insecurity. I’ve been there. It’s not a good feeling and we often feel guilty for feeling this way when the other has done nothing wrong. If you see a future with this girl and love her, you should be willing to do anything to keep it that way.

After high school, my SO went to college and we were separated for several years. It’s never easy but the end goal is worth it. Just reassure each other that you are on the same team and not against each other. Remind each other why you are doing this long distance. Remind each other of the end goal. Be apologetic, but also realistic.

Before my SO left, we completely wiped our slate clean. Don’t bring up hurtful things you did to one another and don’t question their judgement. Realistically you will both be having separate lives and you’ll need to come to terms with this.

At times, especially in the beginning, it will be hard. Your routine has completely changed now and the person you were able to see daily is now only available on a screen. There will be times where she is not available when you are or vice versa and this needs to be known and respected from the both of you. It’s unrealistic to think that they will be available when you want them to be. The best thing to do is to find common ground. Reassure each other that the distance is temporary. With that being said, we never got it right on the first try. We struggled tremendously. So I can’t flat out say that it will be so black and white. It will at times feel like complete and utter hell but just be open to the shades of gray.

If the distance is a dealbreaker for you, or you feel that your insecurity will outweigh the positive things that she brings to your life, then it would be best to part ways. She should not be punished or feel guilty for making friends and moving to better her future.

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