Unbelievable!

I am so serious. STOP IT, YOU PEOPLE!

I keep getting comments on how different me and my boyfriend are, and that it's not going to work out because of these differences.

Come on.
We obviously know that we're different people; we came into the relationship knowing that. I would add that it is because of our differences that we decided to come into this relationship together. We like the fact that we are different, and we feel that we compliment each other well.

The fact of the matter is that differences don't make or break a relationship -- especially not break. The two paths (work or don't work) are there equally. It's a 50-50 situation. But what determines the situation is how we manage our differences so that we can choose the path that is most optimal.

I know that this isn't going to be an easy relationship, despite how well things are going right now. But hey, who ever said anything is supposed to be easy, let alone relationships?

In a situation like this, communication and commitment are vital, so are boundaries and inclusion. What I mean is that there needs to be constant understanding of perspectives, hence communication. Boundaries are there to make sure two different people with different points of view can respect each other and their space. Inclusion means that we accomodate each other when we venture into each other's territories, such as mine with academics and his with ... well, all kinds of things that he does. Furthermore, we need to accentuate our commonalities. One way to do this is to make shared memories. Teach me and help me expand my horizon, and I will do the same.

Last but not least, commitment. A wise woman (Karen, that's you) once told me that there needs to be a common goal, respect for each other, deep love for one another, and the desire to be with each other. Desire. It's about how much we want to be in each other's lives that makes all the difference in the world.

I just feel that there's so much going for Brian and me in our relationship that people can't see on the surface of our differences.

I don't feel that I need to defend and justify my relationship. As in any relationship, investment or experiment, there is always the chance of failure.
The most important thing is that I LOVE THIS GUY and I've made my commitment to work this out.

So stop shitting on us and start being supportive!