I, 26F, am dating a 22M. We’ve been dating a couple of months. He is a very religious Christian (originally from Haiti) and I am spiritual and American (I believe in God but I’m not religious). For reference, we are both in college but I have a little bit more life experience because I went to the Navy first. I am currently interning where he lives year round. We met each other at a multiple company work event as both the companies we intern for participated. Since we’ve been dating, I really feel like this is the man I will marry and I believe he feels the same. But it has been such a challenge with our differences in culture and faith.
Here are the things I have been doing to make this work: I agreed to give up sex before marriage. I’m not allowed to go in his room where he lives because of the culture. The people whose house he lives at are also religious Haitians. Once I go back to my college that’s in a different state, I will have to get a hotel every time I visit him because I can’t stay at his house. I have been going to church with him every Sunday. I have been learning Haitian Creole so I can speak to his community. We talked about the future and made decisions like we’ll raise our kids to be Christian even though I am not. I am also planning to move to his location after we graduate even though I am not fond of the area. But I am okay doing all of these things because I love him so much.
However, today, I told him if I move to his location, I’d expect to live together, even if we’re not married. We’d continue to be celibate but I want to live together and it’s not something I’d want to compromise on considering everything I’ve already done and agreed to do. He said he needs to think about it and see how his church feels about it because they have rules about what leaders in the church can and can’t do.
Is this an unreasonable ultimatum for me to make? This is extremely important to me but tbh, it’s not a complete the dealbreaker. It’s seeing if he’s willing to compromise that is because I feel like I have been the only one compromising which in itself is not even compromise.
I know there will be people that don’t think this will work which I completely understand. But I’ve been in a decent amount of relationships and this is the first time I think I have truly felt real unconditional love.
I guess I’m just wondering if I should end things if he isn’t willing to accept my ultimatum. I feel like his decision will be indicative of the type of relationship we will have down the line. Maybe love isn’t enough?
TLDR; My bf is 22M and I 26F. He is Christian and Haitian and I am spiritual and American. I am always doing what works for him and his religion. Finally asked for compromise with living together before marriage (while staying celibate) and he needs time to think about it. Can this work out?
Comments
You guys are incompatible. You should find someone with your views or you will be the only one compromising on EVERYTHING in your relationship, especially if he has to “ask the church” for permission. What if you are sexually incompatible, you won’t know until after marriage. Move on, there are many other out there you won’t have to compose on so much with.
This dude needs to be dating a fellow Christian.
No. His faith will always trump your lack thereof. He’s made that very clear from the start, it’s his way or the highway.
You’ve only been dating a couple of months and you’re already willing to compromise on everything he wants? You’re still in the puppy love honeymoon stage. Contrary to popular opinion, love is not all you need. Compatibility is just as important and you need to take off the rose colored glasses of infatuation and really look at the future your relationship will have, where his religion will dictate everything you do and you’re just expected to capitulate. If that’s what you want in a marriage, then go forth.
I just want to point out that in the same post you say you feel unconditional love while outlining the conditions under which your love can exist.
You need to have some serious conversations. For example: will you have children? Will you both work? Will one of you stay home with the kids? Which one of you will that be? How will you split your finances?
Before you move for this man, be sure you know exactly what your future together looks like.