Doctor: So tell me what's bothering you?
Student: I am now in a really close relationship with my girlfriend. We have been into each other for about 2 years now. We are now still really happy and go along with each other very well. But I have to make a tough decision whether to break up with her or not.
Doc: I don't see any problem here, I don't understand, why do you want to break up?
Stu: Yeah, we have no problem. But, you see, recently, I feel that I have been seriously distracted from my study as my result isn't as high as it used to be. I'm pretty sure the problem is that I spent too much time with my girlfriend that I have no time for my study.
Doc: I see. It is indeed a hard choice. So now you want to break up to concentrate on your study, right?
Stu: Yes, that's right.
Doc: Have you talked to her about this?
Stu: Well, I have. But she didn't want to break up, and we haven't talked to each other for about a week now. I'm so angry and disappointed that she didn't understand the situation.
Doc: It couldn't have been easy saying that out. Well, why don't you try to talk to her first and calm her down instead of waiting for her apologize?
Stu: Honestly, I'm about to call her. But I still don't now what to say to her. If I start that conversation again, she'll get mad for sure.
Doc: Now just take it easy and call her. After calming her down, you shouldn't rush to that conversation again. Just move slowly to the point, and explain the situation to her, and figure something out to solve the problem together. I think that you two shouldn't break up as after breaking up, the problem might just get worse. You and your girlfriend may even be distracted more from the study as well as all other things.
Stu: So what should I do then? I can't think of anything better than breaking up now.
Doc: The best solution, IMO, is that you two should reduce the time spent together. Also, rearrange your timetables to have a more balanced time between your study and love...