I'm a 25-year-old man currently navigating a breakup with my 23-year-old girlfriend.

I’m unsure if I’m making a huge mistake or not. My girlfriend and I have been together for three years. While we’ve had our fair share of disagreements, I would characterize our relationship as generally peaceful and supportive. The first two years felt especially strong; she is loving, kind, and possesses strong morals, and we complemented each other well. Our physical connection has also been positive. Most of our friends see us as a great couple. However, over the past year, as I’ve grown older, I’ve found myself increasingly anxious about our future together and whether we can sustain a long-term relationship. Several factors contribute to this concern. 1. My girlfriend is emotionally sensitive and values being pursued. Although these traits may seem contradictory, they’ve become a significant source of concern for me. She loves being nurtured and tends to act bratty when she’s annoyed or upset. She appreciates when I dote on her rather than offer solutions or tease her back. If I fail to give her the attention and care she craves, her irritation can escalate quickly into genuine anger and tears, often leading to arguments. I understand that women need affection and support. I strive to provide that, and I genuinely believe I give my all to ensure she feels cherished. However, I struggle to cope with her getting upset over minor issues. I’m not entirely sure why I react this way; perhaps it stems from my upbringing. My parents often got angry with me for situations beyond my control, and now, as an adult, I refuse to let anyone treat me this way—except for my girlfriend, whom I love and want to care for. 2. Our differing life stages also contribute to my worries. I’ve been in the workforce for nearly five years, earning a comfortable six-figure salary, while my girlfriend is still in university. She delayed starting her studies due to a traumatic experience around her high school graduation. I support her as much as I can, but I can’t shake the concern that she may struggle to complete her degree and secure a stable job. She’s already failed several courses and restarted her program once, all while battling daily motivation challenges. I’ve always envisioned us both pursuing fulfilling careers, and she has echoed this sentiment throughout our relationship. Yet, I haven’t seen her making the effort I hoped for. Perhaps she is trying, but I just can’t perceive it. 3. I know some might criticize me for this, but our families come from vastly different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. My family is well-off, while hers is not. This disparity doesn’t bother me, but I worry that our families won’t see eye to eye. My family has expressed concern about our relationship, and they’ve hoped I would reconsider. I’ve always believed that our love could overcome any challenges, but I’m starting to have doubts. This is another reason I hope we both achieve career success, so she won’t feel that her financial choices must always involve me, even though I wouldn’t mind. Throughout our three years together, she has rarely paid for meals or things like groceries and clothes when we shop. I’m fine with covering these costs, as she only works part-time, but it’s undeniable that I’ve spent significantly more on her than on myself. I recognize that everything I’ve mentioned may paint a picture of a relationship filled with challenges. However, my girlfriend is truly caring and one of the kindest people I know. Our values align well, and I genuinely believe she loves me deeply. I love her, too. I want nothing but the best for her. We recently had a significant fight, one of the biggest we’ve ever experienced, and I feel that if I don’t reach out to her soon, we may break up. The thought of losing her is painful, but I’m uncertain about the long-term trajectory of our relationship. I really need some guidance.