You’re trying to satisfy too many people at once, and that will never work. That’s why you’re stressed. 🙁
Everything you say that you want for yourself makes sense to me, given your age. I advise that you take a break from your boyfriend to experience life while you’re young, in the way that you want to. If you don’t, you may end up resentful and bitter. Regret is a big burden to carry around in life.
I know that your boyfriend will be hurt when you take a break or break up with him, but you have to understand that that’s part of the risk we all take when we get into a relationship. Be kind but firm and take care of yourself, not him when you implement this break.
As for your parents, understand that they want what they think is best for you, and that’s why they’re pushing you to stay with this loyal and stable boyfriend you’ve had for five years. But the reality is you’re a good person and you do so many things right — you deserve, at your age, to live your own life, and if that life involves making mistakes, so be it; if it involves taking risks, so be it; and if it means doing what you want to do to make sure you live your adult life to the fullest, so be that. 🙂
Go for it! You can’t please all of the people all of the time, but you can be responsible for yourself and your own happiness, and since you’re not married and you’re not a mother, your responsibility is to yourself.
Good luck! 😀
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