G'day Dee.
Firstly I want to say that, I understand how you're feeling. I myself am about to go into exams (although It's nothing like getting into a serious relationship) and feel horribly understudied. I recently left my job and haven't been able to secure one and thus my monetary situation is slowly bleeding away. It's hard, it sucks, it's stressful and it's everything that you don't want. I get that.
You said you find yourself tearing up at work and put on a brave face and, I must say, it is brave. But it's never a bad idea to take five, let it out and sort yourself out, and (not that this is the best thing to always do) sometimes it's good to sit on the floor and just mope a little, it gives you time to think and from experience, thinking is good.
In terms of money (and I am no expert economist, I'm a photographer), put away what you can and let compound interest do it's thing, slowly building up that stock pile, and put a little bit into what you can spend so that maybe once a few weeks or so, you can go out and have a nice date with your boyfriend or what have you.
My final little bit is that, this isn't so ridiculous as you think it is. I have a thread that essentially outlines how mentally bonkers I am. And sure it might make you feel bad to recognize that, yes, there are people in more emotionally and mentally precarious positions but to that I say, look at how you are compared to them.
Anyway that's my two cents on this topic, feel free to ask away or what so not.
Sincerely,
Just another guy.
P.s.
Congratulations on the soon to be engagement, I hope it turns out well!
