I'm a 22-year-old male and I'm unsure about what to do regarding my girlfriend, who is also 22.

**Background:** I’m a 22-year-old male who has been in a relationship with my 22-year-old girlfriend for over a year and a half now. She has been my greatest love and the most significant relationship I have experienced. We met during her final year of undergrad, and from the moment we started talking, we did everything together. She left a long-term relationship to be with me, while I hadn’t been seeking a relationship since it had been about three years since my last one. Our connection felt natural and quickly escalated into a serious relationship, which was wonderful at the start. The initial months were incredible. We shared a deep love for each other and communicated openly, allowing us to be ourselves. Those first four months were truly perfect. We spent all our time together, enjoyed movies, and went to church regularly. I loved cooking for her, and her family quickly grew fond of me. However, everything changed when she visited me in my hometown during a break from school. Looking back, I realize that was when we started facing constant arguments. She became quick to criticize and correct me, often complaining about what I was doing wrong. I would respond with, “What’s the problem? Let’s just enjoy each other’s company,” but the criticism never ceased. I tried to listen to her, thinking it was essential to meet my partner’s needs, but it took a toll on my self-identity. I became more reserved and withdrawn, unsure if I was doing anything right. Once back at school, we had our ups and downs, but the ongoing criticism didn’t stop. After more than a year together, I finally expressed the need for some space. We went back and forth on it, but I felt that the negativity was becoming unhealthy for me. Despite loving her, I wanted a break, but she wouldn’t allow it. She would show up at my place unexpectedly, call, and text me, and I would respond out of concern for her feelings. Then came her birthday. I didn’t get her a gift, thinking it might help create some distance. Instead, she accused me of being a terrible person and guilt-tripped me back into the relationship. As the new year began and I moved back home, our relationship transitioned into long distance, which gave me some clarity. For instance, I had unfollowed all the girls on my Instagram at her request early in our relationship, and when I asked her to do the same, she took a year and a half to comply, claiming that it diminished the value of her doing it since I had to ask for it. I thought it was a fair request, but there were many moments like this that led to conflict. Every day brought new arguments, and I’ll cut to the chase. We had a particularly intense altercation where I felt overwhelmed and badgered. I kept trying to get her to let me speak, but eventually, I yelled, “Shut the fuck up!” I feel terrible about that outburst; it’s not who I want to be. The relationship often drives me to the brink of insanity, leaving me feeling depressed and unheard. Despite my love for her, it’s challenging to know how to sever ties, especially when she says things like, “If you don’t do this, it shows you never really loved me.” I’m set to start law school this fall and am trying to navigate how to manage both my newfound career path and this relationship. For now, we’re taking a few days apart to reflect, and I’m uncertain about the next steps or what to say. Any advice would be appreciated, but ultimately, I know the decision rests with me.