Hi all,

My girlfriend and I have been together for almost 2 years now, most of which has been long distance. She lives at home with her parents, in our hometown, and I spend a majority of the school year living on campus. We are separated by a 2 and a half hour drive and I usually come down to our hometown every 2 weeks or so to visit her for a weekend.

About a week ago she told me she has gotten irritated with me and everything I do. Immediately I started worrying and asking her to explain what she meant, how she felt, etc. As the conversation progressed more clues came to the forefront. She mentioned her want to be alone and I agreed to give her space and time.

As the days progressed, and instead of taking the irritation at face value, I researched and learned. Through my understanding I came to the knowledge that I am an extrovert, someone who gathers energy from being around people, and she is an introvert, someone who gathers energy from being alone (I'm not trying to pigeonhole extro- or introvertedness into this specific category, it's just the overarching theme I noticed through my research). I realized her need for alone time and solitude was natural and needed and that I shouldn't make her feel badly or become offended by it. So I have let have her time.

Background out of the way, we haven't spoken since last Monday. We usually text throughout the week (something I realized she is not fond of due to the fact long-distance texting is usually meaningless small talk) but we haven't this week. I'm not worried or anxious, this is just super new for me. Giving her complete spacr and solitude. I sent her a long-winded message on Tuesday doing my best to explain that I have seen the error in the way in which I love her (I used to love her as an extrovert like me would like to be loved) and that she should take all tbe time she needs.

I'm going to see her this coming weekend and am wondering what I should do/how I should behave. I understand and appreciate the way she ticks now and I want her to know that but I don't know how to do that without bluntly saying it and dragging her into a potentially unwanted discussion.

Anything would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading!