I've told myself that I'm just going to live my life, and if true love finds me, so be it. I think that if you don't see him in your future, whether it be who you tavel with, or who you marry, then there's no point in being in the relationship.You just have to do what's best for you, though.

Um... I'm not really qualified to give relationship advice. But welcome to Wondercaf!

I loved several guys before I met my husband. I loved my boyfriends, I loved other guys as well. But when I met my husband it was different. I felt sick, litterally very nautious, and shaking. Couldn't eat, couldn't sleep, irrational behaviour, emotions all haywire. When I wasn't with him, all I could think about was being with him again. When I was with him, we both felt like we could finally rest. Like we'd reached journey's end. I could not bear to be apart from him, and I would be with him forever. I hope you find someone like that.

If you are wondering how to have this discussion with your boyfriend, I think it's fair to acknowledge that you both love each other but are both young and have a lot to experience about the world. Most high school relationships won't last much past graduation, but sometime people do truly go together and have a happy fulfilling relationship after marrying someone they knew in high school. The people that I know personally for whom this has worked though, stayed in touch but spent A LONG TIME apart as well.

It's fair that you don't think he's the one, and to trust your instincts in this case. If he gets very clingy when you suggest that you both go into life separately after high school, this is a RED FLAG. It suggests he is not mature enough to have a sense of himself without validation from you, his girlfriend. In this case, you are DEFINITELY better off apart for awhile.

I don't see any problem with taking a break, though he probably will.  You sound ready to move forward, and I bet that means you are even further than that.  Let him go.

Eleanor described how she felt when she met her husband.  I didn't feel that way, in fact I didn't like him much, but I didn't stop thinking about him.  He grew on me - and btw I was a teenager.  It was a few years before we were sure, and before we got engaged.  

Your heart is telling you loud and clear that this is not permanent, and that is fine.  He's not the first guy ever to lose a girl, and its ok.

You guys are great! Thank you so much- I'm still working everything out...

Follow your heart and be open and honest with him. Do not leave him in the dark. He deserves to know and understand. You can not go along just to please someone else. You both have to follow your feelings and opportunities. I do however believe that a break at this point would be permanant. Not a for now thing. I believe that he would consider it that way. So, if you are certain about how you feel, then be open and honest with him and yourself. The distance is not the factor in a relationship. I have friends that work in Alberta and their family are in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. They do quite well and have managed the distance quite well. When I was in the military I would be away for any number of long term appointments, as were most others, and that was never a factor. It is your inner self and true feelings that matter.  

I think that high school is young.  you will meet many people in the next 5 years or so.

However, there is nothing magical about a new person. I met my hubby when I was 17 in highschool.  We dated.  We went to different universities but saw each other most weekends.

We eventually got married.  now I'm 50 , still married.

I think you just can't know and that you roll with the experience.  Before you head off to universities you will need to either decide to be long distance or to just be friends.  But either way it will work itself out naturally.

I also think that the "high romance and thrill" that is depicted in holywood is a fleeting part of any relationship.  the deep love and affection and caring is what carries you through