Non-PG13 (Strong Language): she pulled me out of a dark place, ive f***ed it up

[theedge]

so i was in a rele bad state of mind not so long ago after losing my dad through alcoholic liver disease, and my 2 best friends, 1 through cf and my closest friend through a motorbike accident that was my fault! i nearly ended it all, but then i met my girlfriend we'v only bin together 6 months but she rele helped me and ive never bin as happy as i am with her but during the time that i was at "rock bottom" i signed up for enlistment in the army i dont regret signing up as its alway bin something ive wanted to do but now im afraid im going to lose her while im away, im looking for advice on long distance relationships or else opinions on whether i should just let her go as its not fair on her to wait around for me because of a choice i made without her knowing?

[Sythan]

You do need to tell her. Its important she knows so you guys can work out the details. Aside from that, congratulations, good luck, and thank you for enlisting.

[Dana]

Hi,

If your girlfriend is as supportive as you say she is, then I hope she will understand that you made a choice that will hopefully benefit you and turn your life around.

Speaking from personal experience, I started dating a guy who knew he would be enlisted after finishing high school (he is from a different country where there is a mandatory 2yr service). I spent 6 months apart from him before I actually moved to his country for the year to be with him, but will be moving back soon and we will be spending another 6 months apart until he is finished.

So don't lose hope! You can keep your relationship going, it just takes a lot of love and commitment from both parties. Call, email, text, skype her as often as you can. Be understanding and try not to get frustrated. When you get posted somewhere, maybe she can relocate to be near you? If you two get married, she can usually live on the base.