G/f experiencing stress...affecting our relationship

Hey Everyone,
My g/f and I have been together over 3 years. It has been a very good relationship for both of us. We are in love and we are best friends. Unfortunately she is experiencing some stresses in her life that have come up recently. For example, she is about to embark on her senior year of college (as am I) and is worried about where she will be working afterwards. She also feels nervous about juggling an internship, job, and classes all at once. She has been working about 35-40 hours per week at her job recently and has not had much time to relax. I think she also is concerned that our relationship may be difficult because she's not sure how she'll juggle that along with everything else.

Because of all this, she admits that she has not been enjoying our dates recently (past couple of weeks) as much as usual. I am really concerned about her. I know our relationship is something good and the last thing I want is to cause more stress. I am fully happy only talking to her or seeing her when she has time and not making demands or anything. I really love her and she loves me too. How can I help her cope with her stress? We have always been able to support each other in the past and I just know we can get through this. We're both strong people. Thanks for any advice.

 

Hmmm, if you have ther time for dates you have te time to take her to a hot tub and sauna and treat her to a serious massage....Good Luck!

 

Make your dates opportunity for you both to relax. Take pressure off her. Maybe even back off. Whatever you do don't be part of the problem...

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I would have no problem getting her a massage at a sauna if she agrees with it. As far as backing off, it's kinda tough because she does not want to stop talking to me. She enjoys talking to me at least once per day on the phone. I agree that I don't want to add to the problem, but I do genuinely feel I can help without criticizing or yelling at her or anything. Like I said, we know each other very well. We have always worked very well together as a team to overcome any challenges either once of us has faced. I feel that this is no different. The fact is that she's actually at a pretty good place in life with a promising future career-wise, but she is anxious nevertheless.

 

I'm not saying back off to that extent. Some space is all, if she needs it. You know your relationship. Sounds like you've got it in hand. You're both at pivotal places in your lives. Exciting, and scarey too. Who WOULDN'T be a little overwhelmned?

 

Hi there,

I have been through this and so has my boyfriend recently. I would say maybe set a few hours maybe every fortnight where you can get together and have some fun and let go. That way you will be able to look forward to seeing each other. What about getting together for lunch? My man and I do that occassionally. Its very nice.

I would say back off if she wants you to, to allow her time to work out how to cope with her stress.

When my man gets stressed, I ask if there is anything i can do. If he wants me to back off for a while then I do, and just contact him on the phone every now and then. There has to be time for relaxations somewhere or she will go crazy!

Let her know your thoughts, try to draw a comprimise, and she will appreciate that. If you have to go a couple of weeks without seeing each other, it will be for the best. She will probably work through these problems.