Woman, 18, Secretly Applied to College in Another City without Telling Her Boyfriend — Now He’s Calling Her ‘Selfish’

Woman Applies to University in Another City Without Informing Boyfriend

An article published on People has brought to light the story of an 18-year-old woman who secretly applied to a college in another city without informing her 23-year-old boyfriend. The woman took to Reddit’s “Am I the A—–” forum to share her situation, revealing that her boyfriend had plans for them to move in together after she completed high school. However, she had dreams of studying at her dream university in a different city.

Upon receiving her acceptance letter, the woman’s boyfriend reacted negatively, accusing her of lying, wasting his time, and being selfish for not prioritizing their relationship. He went as far as to share his feelings with their mutual friends, painting her in a negative light. This led to conflicting opinions among their circle, with some supporting the woman’s pursuit of her dreams, while others criticized her for not being upfront with her boyfriend.

The woman expressed her internal conflict, acknowledging that while she never explicitly promised to move in with her boyfriend, she also didn’t actively oppose his plans. She highlighted the importance of education in her life but also understood her boyfriend’s perspective. The situation has left her questioning whether she made the right decision by keeping her educational aspirations a secret from her partner.

Commentators on the Reddit post pointed out the problematic age gap between the woman and her boyfriend, suggesting that he may have been trying to steer her towards a future that aligned with his desires. Some described his behaviour as manipulative and controlling, urging the woman to focus on her college experience without being tied down by a relationship that may restrict her growth and independence.

Ultimately, the consensus among the online community was in support of the woman pursuing her academic goals and not feeling obligated to conform to her boyfriend’s expectations. Encouragement was offered for her to embrace this new chapter in her life and discover a partner who would genuinely support her ambitions. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of open communication and mutual respect in relationships, especially when navigating significant life decisions.

This story sheds light on the complexities of balancing personal aspirations with relationship commitments, highlighting the need for individuals to prioritise their own growth and happiness. It emphasises the significance of understanding and supporting each other’s goals in a relationship, fostering a sense of empowerment and encouragement rather than control and manipulation. In the end, the woman’s choice to pursue her education independently showcases her determination to follow her dreams, despite facing criticism and backlash from her partner.