<prompt> Human: I worked my ass off to get into college and graduate. I have student loans that I pay 900 dollars a month to and a blossoming career at a major financial firm. I only make 60k, but formerly was making only 40k. During that time I relied upon the economy I had built around an AMEX card to survive and live and things got away from me. I went through several breakups and I medicated broken hearts with spending. I woke up with 26K in debt.I never really cared about any of those people I was with but in August I met the one. The right girl that was right from the 1st day. We spent a day in the Central Park Zoo, walked home together and I swear, a violinist played for us beneath the Bethesda Terrace as we shared our 1st kiss. Everything was perfect. And its stayed just as magical. We moved in together after one month and it was the greatest risk Ill ever take. Shes the one and we always knew.I tried so many times to tell her about my looking debt that I stopped paying. I dreamt of the feeling and relief and when we signed our apartment I of course told her my credit was shit due to an unresolved issue with AMEX. We got the apartment and finally last night it happened. I was served and she saw me at my weakest.And she stayed by me! She said we will figure it out and put it behind us and that were going to get married and forget about it. Its real what we have and I so badly want to ask her to marry me. Weve talked about it for so long and Ive tried so hard to not cry thinking how could I buy a ring when I know I need to resolve my debt. Its funny how in life you have exactly the right thing and then you realize that all of the others you extended yourself for contributed to you not being able to secure the thing you want the most now. Anyway Im just here today to ask you guys for support and energy in getting this resolved and maybe some advice in handling my debt. I reached out to the attorney this morning and states that I wanted to talk and resolve things ASAP some way. I just didnt know what else to do and I need to share this with people who know all too well the affects a situation like this can have. I love my girlfriend so much. I need to do whatever I can to make our life a reality and move on from my error.  <response>: Live below your means.Pay off your debt.Move on with your life. 