Quote:
Originally Posted by James81  Relationships that START with a long distance phase are very hard to keep together. The reason is that you don't truly get to know one another until you are able to see each other on a regular basis (physically see each other....there is a huge difference between online interaction and real life interaction, and one of the KEY elements missing from your relationship is the consistent physical intimacy). |
Actually, long distance relationships do not have a different break up rate or pattern from in person relationships (there is such a thing as a
center for study of long distance relationships, and they've researched this
)
The long distance situation only exacerbates your problem, but the fact that your parter sets ultimatums, is uncommonly close to his family, that you feel that your interests are opposites... would exist in person too.
Many smart things have been said so far. In your situation, I would give expatriation a try, but knowing nothing of your personality, I'll outline my conditions for doing so:
Not uprooting myself permanently before giving living together a good try
Not going if I didn't have anything else than him to look forward to (I love travelling so I'd be grateful for the exciting opportunity, but if it's not your case, be aware that your partner will NOT fulfill all your needs)
Not putting myself in a situation where I'd be completely dependent on my partner - have a work visa, your own sources of entertainment, your own network of friends, transportation means etc.