Hi. I have been dating my high-school sweetheart for the last six years and we are still going strong. From hormonal teenagers to consenting adults, we have gone through our fair share of fights and issues, but the recent development is something I never expected to deal with. My boyfriend was always very outgoing but recently he has become very religious. As much as I respect his choices and have strong faith myself the fact that he is imposing them on me is what is bothering me. I have always been very independent and I cannot seem to deal with his constant preaching and nagging. I don't want to change myself, for him because this is not what I signed up for. I don't want to hurt him either because I do love him. Please help me out.
This is a big dilemma for you and I understand your worries: you love your man, but he wants to push down your throat a way of life that, as you said, you did not sign up for. I am afraid this is going to be a very difficult life for you, especially if you choose to marry him. He will hope in time you will understand the importance of how he practices his religious beliefs, and you will hope that in time he will understand you have a different view on how to pray and communicate with God. Talk to him and make him understand that “you” want to be understood and be free to worship the way your heart feels is right.