I have a similar, but different situation. I started university in 2016. While trying to get my degree, I transferred after my freshman year to a new university. At this new university, I lost myself with addiction. After two and a half years there, I moved back home. After some rehab and time off school and working my old job, I did a year of community college and was able to get into another, new university. I got back into drugs and drinking really quickly there, but also started dating the love of my life. They lived back in DC, about 2 hours of a drive from my school, and I would go and stay with them all the time. I stopped school after that first year, again. I worked multiple jobs and lived with my girlfriend. Eventually, addiction caught up with me, and I went to rehab for the third time, and it finally clicked. I didn’t want to lose this girlfriend. I then applied back to my original school from freshman year, somehow was allowed to come back despite my low GPA, and finished up my BS in May of 2026… all with the support of my girlfriend. Well, almost. She ended our relationship in January 2026. I’ve been respecting her wish for space, but I think of her daily. I was planning on moving back to DC after school and finding a job there and continuing living with her. Once things ended, I had to move in with my parents. I have an okay job here with them, and just today I learned that my girlfriend is open to consider getting back together down the line, given that I’m working on bettering my mental health. During university, I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I only recently began learning about how OCD is affecting my thoughts and life. I’m doing everything in my power to try and get things under control, in the small hope that I can one day be welcomed back by my now ex. She’s helped me through so many struggles, and even though we aren’t together right now, she’s encouraging me to be a better version of myself. That’s the realest bit of love I’ve ever known. While living at home, I’m also trying to enjoy the time I have with my parents. I don’t have many friends, but I’m trying to invite friends from out of state to come and stay with us, instead of creating stress for my parents and others by traveling away. Maybe your boyfriend would be open to spending a weekend at home with your parents? I know it might feel embarrassing, but look at me, it could be much worse! So many recent graduates live with their parents in these times. You seem thankful for their assistance, and I hope you get along nicely with your parents. It might be less private, maybe even less fun, but it can still be enjoyable to spend the weekend at home with your boyfriend and just relax and watch tv or go on a hike with your mom and dad? I think it could be a win-win for everyone. On the weekends you do go to your boyfriends, you have every right to do so and not feel guilty. You’re an adult with autonomy and someone you share a relationship with. Best wishes to you and yours, and don’t forget to remind yourself how lucky you are for all you have. I hope this helped a little, sorry I’m not the greatest writer.
