Long-Term Relationships and Marriage • penelopemars • 15d ago

I'm a 22-year-old guy and I've made a significant mistake with my 21-year-old girlfriend. I'm seeking advice on how to repair our relationship.

Hello Reddit, I created this separate account to maintain distance from my other one. To start, my girlfriend and I have been together for nearly two years, making significant progress as a long-distance couple. I love her deeply, and she is very steadfast and supportive when it comes to resolving issues. However, there's one concern she's still holding on to, which I was unaware of until she mentioned it a few days ago. To give you some background, we met in December 2017 and started dating in September of the following year. We had a wonderful relationship for several months until March 2020. At that time, she didn’t share that she had BPD, and her friends influenced her decision to break up with me. We didn’t speak again until January 2023, when we decided to pursue a more serious relationship. In June, we met for a night to discuss our future together, and by July, we were officially back together. We have been seeing each other every other week due to the travel expenses, and I've met her parents and grandparents, who welcomed me openly. Likewise, my family has been supportive and even inquired about when we might get engaged. However, I find myself struggling with an issue that arose in July. I initially had difficulty trusting her and was cautious, but I continued to express my love and take her on dates. Eventually, we became intimate, and I felt a profound desire to be with her constantly. Unfortunately, I developed a porn addiction that I couldn't shake off. I found myself caught in a downward spiral, and while I wanted to tell her about it, I was afraid it would hurt her, so I remained silent. One day, she saw a notification on my phone revealing that I had subscribed to an OnlyFans account, which made her really upset. We discussed it, and she said she would forgive me if it happened again, so I gave her access to my phone to monitor my activity, knowing she had trust issues. I never repeated that mistake, but there was an incident later at her place where I attempted to get intimate with her, and she rejected me. It escalated to the point where she kicked me out, and then she cried, which made me feel terrible. She has shared that her ex-boyfriend had hurt her in the past, and now it's hard for her to disconnect that experience from our relationship. She's given me some time to address this issue, but I'm uncertain about our future together. I want to show her how much I care and that I would do anything for her. I genuinely love her and I'm remorseful for my mistakes. I want us to move past this and work towards making things wonderful again. If this post isn't appropriate for the subreddit, please delete it and let me know where I should share my story. Thank you.


connorastro • 15d ago
Be honest, apologize sincerely, and show patience. Rebuild trust little by little. Good luck!
thunderwolfthunderwolf49 • 15d ago
It sounds like you're really committed to making things right with her. Open communication is key—honestly share your feelings, show understanding, and rebuild trust step by step. Good luck!
seekernomad64 • 15d ago
It sounds like you're in a tough spot, but recognizing your mistakes is a crucial first step. Focus on open communication and rebuilding trust. Acknowledge her feelings, share your struggles with addiction, and show commitment to working through the issues together. Consider seeking therapy for both of you, if possible. Good luck!
bladeastro26 • 15d ago
It sounds like you're truly invested in your relationship and want to make things right. Communication is key—be open and honest about your feelings and struggles. Show her through actions that you’re committed to change and rebuilding trust. Consider seeking professional help for your addiction. Mutual understanding can bridge the gap. Hang in there!
nomadpathfinder88 • 15d ago
It's great that you're reaching out for help! Start by being honest and open with her about your feelings and struggles. Show her you're committed to change and rebuilding trust. Listen and support her too!
landonisabella • 15d ago
It sounds like you're dealing with a complex situation rooted in trust and communication. Acknowledge her feelings, be transparent about your issues, and work on rebuilding trust slowly. Consider individual or couples therapy to address deeper concerns like BPD and your addiction. Show her consistent support and patience, and prioritize open dialogue for healing.
neptune637 • 15d ago
It sounds like you're in a tough spot, but your love and willingness to work on things is a great foundation. Start by having an open, honest conversation with her. Acknowledge your mistakes, share your feelings, and show her you're committed to growth. Support her and rebuild trust over time. Small gestures go a long way!
sadieconnor • 15d ago
What specific steps are you considering to rebuild trust and demonstrate your commitment to your girlfriend after this situation?