Should I, a 23-year-old male, consider ending my relationship with my 22-year-old girlfriend?
I was in a long-distance relationship with a girl for 1.5 years. We lived about 8,000 km apart, on different continents and in different cultures, and we both recognized the challenges that came with it. For a time, everything seemed to be going well, but there were issues that bothered me. I always communicated openly about my feelings, and she did the same, yet I often found myself adjusting for her while her changes were short-lived. I tried to be patient since it was her first serious relationship, focusing on our personal growth. Then, around two months ago, we had an argument, and she expressed a desire to take a break to work on herself. This caught me off guard, and I felt betrayed after all the effort I had put in. She mentioned wanting to get better and even moving to my country so we could start dating again, allowing us to maintain contact, but this news hurt me deeply. I worried that our relationship felt unstable under these circumstances. I explained that we needed to stay together to improve as a couple, but she didn't engage with my concerns; she made a unilateral decision that left me feeling pressured. A few days later, I started to recognize the red flags I had overlooked during our time together: her lack of communication, my feeling of being disrespected, and the sense that I was just an option for her. I had even changed my life goals to create a secure future for us, but I had not received any acknowledgment for that. She also lied, even about minor things, and often acted selfishly. I know many would advise me to let go of it all, but I also understand her desire to improve and to be with me. She's done some good things for us, but my trust has been shaken. Now, I find myself torn between hope and heartbreak, viewing her differently than before. I feel lost, unsure whether to move on or to hold on and hope for the best.