Re: I need help with my relationship

What is your love based upon?  Trust, honesty, partnership, sex?  In this day and age, there are many, many issues that should be addressed before entering into a long-term committment.  First, and foremost, an atmosphere of trust, respect, and friendship should outweigh any other "attractions," as our culture is constantly bombarded by misinformation with regard to what a healthy relationship truly is.

Seven months isn't a very long time, in the lifelong scheme of things.  If you are interested in a committed union with this young lady, like a marriage or civil union, it might be a wise idea to get some short-term relationship counseling.  There are a number of agencies that will provide counseling on a sliding-fee basis, and a good counselor will be able to cut through the b.s., help to identify specific issues, and offer tools and techniques that will help you both to maintain an even keel without the need for prescribed medications, long-term counseling, etc.

And, it is vital that you both maintain your own network of friends, a group of mutual friends, and pursue your educations before doing anything legal.  From my own experience, divorce is costs more in financial and emotional misery than any wedding/reception you could dream up! 

Best of luck to you and keep yourself healthy!