M family doesn’t like this idea and wants me to keep dating him long-distance for longer and/or for him to move here to our state, but that means I won’t be able to see him for months so thathe can save to move here and it’s hard being away from each other. We want to be with each other and see where this can go. It may seem fast to my family, but it doesn’t to me and my boyfriend.

I feel incredibly safe with him and more myself than with anyone else. My dad hates the fact that my boyfriend is 34 and I’m 26. My brother and sis-in-law are very religious and make me feel like everything I’m doing with my boyfriend is wrong, and they don’t want to meet him.

I’m so torn because I want to go live my life and make my decisions and be with whom I want to be without making my family upset or causing them to look down on me. I feel like they will eventually get over it, but I don’t know how long it will take.

She told me that all the hurt and pain had come back when I got in touch. That what I put her through badly affected her and still does. That she’s had issues with her relationships and that she’s never quite felt the same again. That she thought I hated her. However, she also told me this: “I like the idea of our trying something together, but I’m afraid of the result.”

A week ago, I sent her the apology:

“(Her name), I’m really sorry to have cut you off in such a way, without explanation, and for not being fair and honest with you. I behaved like a coward and an egoist. My behavior towards you was appalling and insensitive. I always doubted your feelings, and at the time, I thought it was the best way for me.

I am sorry for all the pain and the hurt that I inflicted on you during all these years of questions and distress. During all these years I thought only of you; in the morning when I woke up, throughout the day, and in the evening you were in my thoughts, in my heart. I do not know what you think and feel. (Her name) whatever happens, know that I only wish you happiness in your life.”