I'm a 22-year-old male facing difficulties in my relationship with a 23-year-old female. I could use some advice on whether I'm just overthinking things or if there are genuine problems to address.

Hi everyone, I’m a 22-year-old guy, and I’ve been in a relationship with my girlfriend, who’s also 22, for two years now. After spending a month traveling, I've started to feel uncertain about our relationship. While we have great chemistry when I’m home and we’re together, I find that doubts creep in when we’re apart. I’ve been doing a lot of soul-searching lately and can't tell if I'm overanalyzing things or if there are actual issues at play. I've experienced similar feelings in this relationship (a bit too often) and in previous ones, so I'm unsure if it's just me or if there’s something more serious happening. Growing up, my parents had a lot of arguments, and I wonder if I'm subconsciously seeking conflict as a form of love. I’m just not sure. Here’s what I’m experiencing: 1. **Connection Issues**: While I’ve been away, our communication feels forced. Phone calls often turn awkward, and the conversation lacks flow, which leaves me questioning our compatibility. Although I make an effort, the connection seems off. Is this a sign that things aren’t working, or am I expecting too much? We genuinely enjoy each other’s company when I’m home, yet I still have lingering doubts. 2. **Desire for Independence**: I’ve been reflecting on whether I need more personal independence for my own growth. It’s been a while since I’ve been single, and I feel a pull to focus on myself before fully committing to a relationship. Can I develop a stronger sense of self while being in a relationship, or should I take some time to be single for that? 3. **Diverging Life Goals**: We have different aspirations in life, and I’m beginning to question whether our long-term goals align. Can a relationship thrive if our paths don’t match, or is it a clear indication that we may not be suited for each other in the future? I genuinely care about her and we’ve created many wonderful memories together, yet I can’t shake the feeling that something is amiss. I’m uncertain whether I’m fabricating problems in my mind or if there are real concerns in our relationship. Is this feeling normal, or is it a sign that things might not be going well? Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated!