Melanie Tempest2 months agoI'm a 22-year-old woman, and I'm struggling with the decision to break up with my boyfriend, who is 25. We’ve been together for four years, and while I love him deeply, I’m feeling overwhelmed by the reality of our situation. Our relationship has faced many challenges, particularly due to my mother's disapproval of him based on his appearance. Recently, I’ve come to a difficult realization that I need to address. My boyfriend has been incredibly supportive during my toughest times, showing patience and love. However, he has been searching for a job for the past three years without success. To clarify, I’m not asking for judgment about my feelings. I earn a decent income through my art and streaming, typically making between $500 and $1,500 a month, and I’m still in college. I also have savings and an inheritance to help with my medical expenses, as I suffer from Stage 4 kidney disease. This means that if my condition worsens, I could face dialysis, which adds a layer of urgency to my concerns. My boyfriend relies on his mother for financial support and has struggled to find stable employment. Despite my efforts to help him, such as suggesting jobs and providing resources, he often makes excuses about why he can’t take them. He expresses a desire to support both his mother and me, but I can’t shake the feeling that he isn’t trying hard enough. I’ve had honest conversations with him about my fears regarding our future. I worry about what would happen if I got sick or if he fell ill. The thought of relying on my savings and inheritance is daunting, especially since I’m already facing health challenges. I’ve expressed that I feel I can’t continue to date him under these circumstances, even though he agrees with my concerns. This decision weighs heavily on my heart because I genuinely love him. He has been my rock, and breaking up with him feels like a betrayal of the trust we’ve built. I feel superficial for considering ending our relationship based on financial stability, but I also have to be realistic about my situation. He knows about my kidney disease and has been supportive, even learning to cook to help me. However, I can’t help but worry about our future together, especially if my health declines further. I’m torn between my feelings for him and the practicalities of our lives. I really need advice on how to navigate this difficult decision.b34
Melanie TempestMelanie Tempest