Are my boyfriend (23M) and I (23F) not compatible?
My boyfriend and I have been in a relationship for six years. I graduated from a prestigious university and now have a well-paying job. He also attended a top college but chose to leave in order to work in his family business, which is quite demanding but pays off well. Coming from a background that prioritizes higher education, my parents are not pleased with his lack of a degree. Still, I’ve accepted his choice, believing that his work would provide stability. Recently, due to significant family issues, he left his job and has decided against returning to college. Instead, he wants to start his own business. I truly believe he is capable, but I can't help but worry about the challenges he may face and how successful he could actually be. I desire a comfortable lifestyle, which fuels my frustration that he’s not pursuing further education to secure a stable income like I have. He is adamant about not wanting to work for anyone other than himself. Since quitting, he hasn't engaged in any projects and often expresses anxiety about the future. I sympathize with his feelings, yet I wish he would take proactive steps to clarify his path. The uncertainty is weighing heavily on me, as I feel unable to make plans for our future—such as marriage and children—without a clearer picture of what lies ahead. Am I putting too much pressure on him? Are our differences in expectations—my desire for him to earn a decent income or at least obtain a college degree—too great for us to stay together? Can our relationship survive, or is the strain too severe?