I think the OP is listening and thinking about all the opinions and suggestions. I also think that she is doing the right "first" thing in hanging in there and getting her masters too. Talking to a lawyer is also good so she is clear on her rights and her risks too. Also, finding a therapist is another good step as well, and even asking questions here at PC is yet another good step.

I personally am not expecting her to "just "bingo" jump and do, she needs to think about this situation and sort it through, nothing wrong with that. Twenty four is actually still VERY YOUNG and so many women fall into traps at this age, come on, look how busy this relationship forum is.

One step at a time, nothing wrong with that, learning is what we ALL do, often we learn the hard way too, don't we? I did, lots I look back on with way more knowledge then I had back at that age. I walked down that isle and joined up with a person that was one huge rude awakening after another, but I did not have any PC to go to back then or the access to what is known now either.

One step at a time, haste makes waste.

OE