I'm 25 and I've been dating this 21 year old girl for over a year now. We're emotionally attached and I think things are going to get pretty serious (we talked about marriage some time ago; however, I'm uncertain now).

I'm developing trust issues and I'm also at a point in life where my career is taking a massive toll on me. The relationship feels like an obstacle to my goals and whenever I imagine myself being single again, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my chest. The work I'm engaged in involves a lot of pressure - deadlines, intense reading over long hours, writing as well as meeting clients. I'm absolutely in love with the job, regardless of that.

I've tried to break up a couple of times in the past but it becomes IMPOSSIBLE for me to go through with that decision because she ends up breaking down. It's a pretty tough call but I think I've had about enough.

I'm not looking for advice like, "Man up and be honest with her." Tried that, doesn't work. EVERY TIME, her tears get me feeling guilty and moreover, I'm extremely worried about what she'd do to herself (will get into substance abuse, for sure) after I walk out.

What would be really helpful would be to tell me things that absolutely turn a woman off about men. I want to try to do it in a way that SHE decides to walk out herself. Somebody please PLEASE help me with that!