Gap year

[Schummakker]

Reposting this in Teenager section.

DS and his girlfriend both 17 both been a couple for just over a year and very happy, both first serious relationship. They see each other 2/3 times a week and have never slept over at each others house.

DS has planned from end of next year to travel, has saved like crazy and is really looking forward to it.

They asked to speak to me and announced that she’ll be going along with him. It’s a 10 month long tour, very far from home. Her parents have agreed and are making the arrangements.

I’m apprehensive because a) will they make it to the end of next year and b) will their relationship survive during the trip or turn into the end of the fairytale period, ruining it for both of them?

Do any of you have any experiences of DC doing the gap year with their boyfriend or girlfriend? How did it turn out?

Not my dc, but my best friend and her boyfriend went travelling for 18 months after a levels. They split up while travelling but it was v amicable so continued their journey together anyway.

I wouldn't worry too much - if they are old enough to go away for a year, they are old enough to deal with relationship problems en route. If they split up before they are due to go, encourage him to go anyway on his own, as that was always his plan.

@Superstardjs the experience you’ve mentioned would be the ideal scenario. I just feel like he would be responsible for her safety and she’d rely on him and although she’s his best friend now, I’ve seen him cut off a few girls when he was younger and he was quite ruthless. I’m sure he’s matured now though and she seems to have ‘tamed’ him.

I really do want him to enjoy this and hope it works out to be a great year for them both.

She is a grown ass woman why would she depend on him for safety? It isn't the middle ages.

@cdtaylornats she’ll be 18 by then yes, but she has lead a privileged sheltered life and they’ll be travelling to jungles and all sorts in Asia off the beaten track so I don’t think it’d be that simple. I understand what you’re saying though.