A little bit of background: We were together for three years. Been living together for a year and eight months or so. It has been a giant struggle both emotionally and financially. I have, the entire time of the relationship, had a problem with alcohol. I would get abusive, verbally and emotionally, when I would get drunk. The last time, was the last straw for her, and she requested a break-up. I complied with that, but then after a week, we discussed that a seperation would be better as we both do love each other. The idea was that we can work on our problems, both of us, individually with the idea of coming back together to start over. I moved out and everything was actually going swimingly. However as more time progressed, she became more distant I became more smothering. I have always had trust issues and paranoia issues stemming from past relationships, which is one of the things I am trying to work on, but found myself unable to control things. That is until she finally told me, very angrily and for like the third time, that all she wanted was for me to give her space and leave her alone because she cannot deal with her issues if I am putting more stress on her. I have finally complied with her wishes, have taken steps to alleviating my drinking habit, have taken steps to obtaining my bachelors, and have started a work out regime...all to keep my mind on other things, so I CAN fully comply with what she is asking. The questions I have are: How long do I wait? I have things over there still, that I will eventually need to retrieve. We also have a dog that we raised together that we both love very much. I would like to see my dog. How long do I wait before I let her go? All she has been asking for me is to be patient, which I have not. I know this is an oppurtunity for me to change my ways, but I am obsessive by nature, and I don't want to become resentful of the situation and do something stupid. Unfortunately, I am always too soon or too late with things. Is she testing me? She recently told me that now is her time to get what she wants, and that I have to stop making things about my needs. Is she at a point that she needs to SEE if I can do what she wants? Is this a test of faith on her part where she is questioning that if I do love her, I should be able to do this one thing? I love this person very much, and I am beating myself up for not realizing how much sooner. She is a wonderful person, that is acting not quite so wonderful right now to me, and I really am having a hard time understanding it. She is the love of my life, and my best friend, and my family. I want to do what we planned and work things out, but because of how things degraded so quickly, I am afraid of losing her altogether now. I would appreciate some advice.