So my girlfriend and I have been together for 7 months with a month break back at the beginning of quarantine. We do not live together, in fact, we live about 30 minutes away, which is no big deal to me. From the very beginning of our relationship, I’ve made it clear that my goal is to move out of state by 2021 or somewhere around that time. It’s never an idea that I have shied away from. Now that my finances are in order, I have been diving into the idea of moving to an apartment. Here’s where the advice comes in. She cannot handle the idea of me leaving. She also will not even give distance a shot in any form. I have never been the type to stop my life in order to maintain relationships. All of the friendships that I’ve had have made it through any obstacle, including distance. This is obviously more than a friendship though. But I just don’t see how I would not do something I’ve wanted to do for years because the girl I’ve been dating for 7 months won’t bare a relationship if I leave? I’ve not known her long enough to change my life plan because of her. She has mentioned moving together, and I’m also not ready for that. The area that we live in is literally one of the most expensive in the country, and that alone is putting a hindrance on me advancing further in life. How do I let her know that leaving the area is the best thing for me? Maybe even both of us in the long run? She just wants me to stay with her all the time.

TLDR; I want to leave the area. I don’t want to have to break up girlfriend. But I don’t want her to move in with me.