Life/relationship

Long text here sorry. And thanks in advance to those to chose to listen.

Issue 1: I am a 24 yo male. I graduated HS 4 years ago and from 2020 to 2023 I've been studying for one major and this year I decided to change. Though I've finished most of my classes needed to apply, there is one class left and it is hard to get into due to the number of students. Anyway the issue is that I feel like I am so far behind compared to most people I see online that are my age. I know online personas can be false but I can't help but to compare myself. And I've been turning to weed to distract myself. I've realize that this isn't the best way to cope so I am going to quit...for good this time. But yea I've just been depressed from that and this leads me to my next situation.

Relationship: Bc of this stress that has nothing to do with my relationship, I've been quite moody and easily irritated.(trying to work on it and I like to think I was getting better) until I lashed out a bit at my gf. No yelling but I said something that was hurtful. I realized that I just took out my frustration on her and I went to be better. This lead to another conversation about this that I could've done better. She says that she doesn't feel loved the way she wants. As for me, I am not an expressive person..like that all...prob due to years of isolation and depression. I love her, but it's not something I can do naturally. I want to work on it and be a better partner. Any advice when it comes to words of affirmation? (This is my first relationship).

Again I know I have many flaws and I want to work on improving them. I just need guidance I guess..? Anyway, I am starting with quitting smoking weed since I believe this could be one of the causes for my depression and irritation. Also we are in a LDR not too far but still not close. I drive once or twice a month to visit.