My boyfriend and I have a great relationship. Even though we're long-distance with literally a whole ocean between us, and are likely to remain long-distance for the next few years at least, we're still very much in love and are happy together. However, there is one caveat that makes me wonder if we can succeed as a couple: religion.
I am a fairly strictly religious Jewish woman. My boyfriend is not religious at all.
I have ZERO intention of making him convert. He is a grown man, and I respect his right to believe whatever he wants to believe, and express that belief however he sees fit. My love for him is not contingent on him adhering to the religion that I have chosen for myself. However, I also have no intention of compromising my religion.
Without getting too into the specifics, Jewish law guides many aspects of how I keep my home, particularly with regards to food. I can't imagine how we could ever live together with all these rules that he knows nothing about and has no obligation to follow. Not to mention the minefields of getting married (my parents would never accept it) and raising kids (they'd be getting completely mixed messages).
So far, my rule has been not to tell him anything about my religion unless he asks a specific question, because I don't want him to feel like I'm forcing it on him. He has been very inquisitive and respectful, and is enthusiastic about making us work. I just think that it might be impossible.
If religion wasn't a factor, our relationship would be basically perfect. It'll be our one-year anniversary in about a month. Should I end it now before I get in any deeper?
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