<p>My girlfriend is a senior in high school and I am a freshman in college. We have been dating for a little over one year. Our relationship is really special and I love myself when I'm around her. Its about a 45 minute drive to where she lives. She does not drink or party, but I am curious about these topics. She says that 'she fell in love with me for who I was' and doesn't want to see me change. We would talk about our relationship as if it would last throughout our college careers, but we've recently begun to have a few struggles. What should I do? Should I party? Should I drink? Should I be able to drink/party while being in a relationship? Should I break up with my girlfriend? ANY advice would be appreciated! </p>
<p>You need to make decisions for yourself. Expecting any young person just out of high school to live their life for someone else is really too much. You need to get to know yourself first: how do you feel about drinking? Does it bother you that you would be breaking a law? Can you have just one drink and stop, or do you feel the need to get drunk? Can you handle things responsibly with some maturity, or do you feel like you just want to let loose and not care? Can you be successful in your studies if you allow yourself to become a partier? Not everyone at college drinks…you can have a good time without using alcohol or other drugs. Do you want to date other people? I know people who were high school sweethearts and are still together 40, 51, and 60+ years later. And I know high school sweethearts who aren’t. What do you want for yourself? </p>
<p>Be you.</p>
<p>It’s not fair for her to set expectations for you and how you want to live your life at this point in time. Do what you feel is right for yourself, but make sure you’re honest 100% of the time. If she doesn’t want you to party, don’t party and hide it from her. It will just make the situation worse. Talk about your feelings and what you want out of your first year of school. If you want to party, do it (safely and responsibly please). But make sure you and your girlfriend are on the same page. If she can’t handle it, then she can’t handle it. My boyfriend and I have been together 2.5 years (as of today!!) and we are almost always on the same page. Neither of us drink or party, but that’s because neither of us actually want to. As long as you guys are communicative, things won’t blow up. You guys may stay together, or part amicably. Either way, don’t let anyone her make the decisions for you in your life, or else you may resent her.</p>