Agreed with Velvet, “I am sure that before this experience changed my life I would never have understood”. Each time I told my friends I had caught my boyfriend gambling AGAIN, they’d want to hear it less and less. “Just leave him already.” “You’re not married you shouldn’t deal with this.” It was terrible because they do not understand addiction, and being in love with an addict. I also am 23 years old, so I can relate to your situation. It’s A LOT to handle at this age, and we’re at a state that someone we’re dating is either going to be our husband or not. It’s a tough decision to choose to stay or choose to leave. Staying means trying to cope with the problem and doing everything in your power to try to help him (which isn’t a lot, it’s all his choices); leaving means you may have guilt built up inside and he may end up in a betting hole since he’s losing support. You shouldn’t imagine the latter. I’d say if you do choose to break up, or take a break, stay in touch. Still provide support and check in. He may lie about how he’s doing, but showing you care is huge. As you said, “I’d hate to see him in several years and hear he is doing better because then I know that I missed out on a future with someone I care about.” so be there for him if you choose to opt out of the relationship.
Best of luck.
