I’m 18 and scared prison could destroy my relationship. I don’t know what to do.
Hey everyone. I’m 18 years old, and there’s a possibility that because of mistakes from my past, I could end up going to prison for 2-3 years in the future. I’m currently in a 1-year relationship with my boyfriend, who is 20.
Lately I’ve been feeling completely lost about what would be best for both of us. I’m terrified of hurting him emotionally, and honestly I’m also scared that if we’re apart for years, he might end up finding someone else or cheating. I know that sounds insecure, but I’m trying to be honest about how I feel instead of pretending I’m emotionally bulletproof like half the internet does at 2 a.m.
I keep wondering:
Is it realistic to maintain a relationship at this age through something this serious?
What would you do in our situation?
How do couples survive long periods apart when they’re still young?
How do you deal with the guilt of feeling like you’re “holding someone back”?
Another thing I worry about is intimacy. My boyfriend is young, and obviously physical closeness and sex are normal needs in a relationship. If I end up in prison, that changes everything and I don’t know how people realistically handle that.
I feel kind of helpless right now and would really appreciate honest advice, especially from people who’ve been through incarceration, long-distance relationships, or something similar. Humanity invented taxes, prisons, and read receipts, then acts surprised when people become anxious wrecks. Incredible species design.
Thanks for reading.