[1nspiration]

Maybe I'm thinking too much, but I need some advice. I can't ask my friends because I know what they will say. I know it's kinda early to be thinking about this, but I was reading a topic before similar to my situation and I would like some input. ^^

I'm going to Japan next year September. It's been a goal of mine since high school. I've gone once as a camp counselor for the summer during my freshman year in college, and I really feel as though that is where my heart is.

I decided the I would teach English in another country since high school too. I've been slowly getting there now that I'm in college.
I have it all set out.

Fall 09-Spring 10 -- Japan
Fall 11-Fall 13 -- Education program, and graduate with my BA
Fall 13 -- Student teach in Japan or South Korea
Spring 14 -- Apply to JET and hopefully get hired
1-2 years -- JET experience
?? -- Live in Japan

If I don't decide to move to Japan, I'll come back to the States and get my Masters in Colorado or California.

Okay, having gone through that... (man, I always feel like a dork writing out my life like this. I might end up deleting this...)
Even though I know I won't be here next year, I have a boyfriend. We just recently starting dating. He knew too that I won't be here next year. We try not to think too much about it, because we still have time... but I have a friend who has been in my shoes... but she wasn't the one who left... she was left behind.
I've talked to her countless times before about her situation. He left to Japan this year. Although they didn't have a long relationship, she is still hurt. She cries every time they talk online. It hurts me to see her like that. It makes me feel as though... I'm putting my bae, my BF... my Justin into a situation like that. I mean I know he's a guy so he'll say he's not crying... but I know that he'll miss me a lot. I will too.

I don't know if I can do that to him. Leaving him and then coming back, making it seem like... me leaving didn't hurt him. It's an intentional hurt but I don't know... Maybe I'm thinking too much. I just look at my friend and I cry. I don't think I can put my bae through that. He's the first guy to treat me right. I've been through a lot of guys who didn't treat me right. He's made me happier than I've been in a long time... so I don't know. Can we really make it through the year?

Re-reading this entry.. I feel like such a little girl. SIGH*
Honestly, I should just let time tell. But through it all.. I know it's gonna be harder than that.
What do you all think? Do you have similar stories? Maybe if I find some common ground, I won't be having this thoughts?
Thanks for taking your time to read this... I know it's long, and my thoughts are often... spontaneous.
Thanks for all those who reply~! ^^
---
Just for added reference, this is my bae and I. ^^

[Eijiro]

It depends. Some people manage it, others don't. It's a tough situation to be in and it depends on both people's personalities and needs/wants.

I work at an English school here in Australia and a lot of our students have partners back in their country but do a lot of playing around here.

I studied abroad in Japan for 1 year back in High School, but I had no one back home to worry about. I did have a girlfriend in Japan who I broke up with after coming back to Australia, though.

[bad boy]

whats there to it, just go enjoy the adventure, learn new things, enjoy the fresh scenery

there is plenty of time to date, he can be with u in spirit :]

beside, it just feels better and more special after a long wait and finally meeting your love

may you guys rekindle that love and have that burning fury passion unfurl once again when u guys meet :]

[somi_361]

I met my significant other WHILE studying abroad, so I can kind of relate. It just depends on how well you can keep communicating and whether you will still want to.

For me, it's been about 4 months since I last saw him (and I won't until I go back to Korea in June) and we still talk atleast twice a day through skype (skype is a great computer program, and it's free computer to computer, so I highly recommend it).


But you don't always have the opportunity to go abroad to Japan, so I'd go for it and see where things go with your boyfriend. Definitely keep in contact, and see if thats enough for you. Who even knows if hes "the one" (sorry if you don't want to hear that), you don't want to risk altering your future for someone you aren't so sure about.

[kimmyb07]

I'm in a long distance relationship right now. My boyfriend's studying abroad in Sweden (um.. hes from Japan though. I met him when he studied abroad here). It has its tough moments (right now we're just getting over the toughest one so far) but overall I don't think it's as difficult as your friend is taking it. Of course sometimes I have my moments when I really miss him and I'll let myself just surround myself with pictures and memories and I'll just cry because I miss him, but that's been like twice in a semester so far. We talk every day so that helps a lot..

It really depends on what you want and how deep your relationship is. My boyfriend and I are really serious and are aiming for marriage, so one or two years seems like nothing compared to the rest of our lives

[Fui]

You're thinking too much for the time being. Just have fun with your boyfriend and stop thinking about the future.

[Eijiro]

There is no reason why you should put off your own dreams and future for someone else.

No matter how much you care about them.

[suki_*]

There is no reason why you should put off your own dreams and future for someone else.

No matter how much you care about them.

agreed!!!

pursue your aspirations before it's too late.