I've been in your shoes. It is difficult. The problem is that you're making it an either or decision. Good relationships are good, functional partnerships and

I've been in your shoes. It is difficult. The problem is that you're making it an either or decision. Good relationships are good, functional partnerships and you should build your relationship as a good functional partnership early on. What's that mean? It means she ought to be on your team professionally-- it means you ought to be on hers too. The tone of your relationship should be "we're doing this together" whether she's involved in the startup or not. I'll tell you, after selling my first business and being in business with other partners, I learned more about how to handle a relationship with my now-fiance from that than any self-help book or romantic relationship I've ever been in. Enroll your girlfriend in partnership-- be as interested in her success as you want to be in hers, and you'll both win. If neither of you can really do that, then move on. But this is absolutely key: establishing the boundaries of teamwork and partnership early on is something most people fail to do which is one reason why most relationships fail. Hope this helps.