Hi everyone, long story short - I'm American and have been living overseas in Italy for about 7 years. My boyfriend and I (also American) have been talking about leaving as we both don't want to be here forever. I've really been wanting to leave for about a year. He's very aware of this as I mention it alot . . Most all my friends have left, so I don't have any good girlfriends here anymore, and I don't take up my hobbies anymore as I usually do. By nature I'm a positive person, but have felt quite down and out lately.
I'm aware that my complaining doesn't do the two of us any good, and at the same time, being here indefinitely with no plans to go, doesn't either. Yesterday he said he didn't think I understood he also didn't want to be here forever. My reply was, yes I know that but when I ask about a timeline to leave, you don't have any idea. The main reason for this is that he has a company that he's worked really hard to get going here, and it's finally been taking off in the last two years. The company is mobile in that it doesn't necessarily have to be attached to Rome. Although when you've worked really hard for something, for your partner to say so, when do you wanna get outta here? I imagine this isn't very supportive.
Yesterday he said we hadn't truly 'discussed' leaving. This seemed a bit insane to me as we've talked a number of times about the how long he might need to get his company secured here, to be able to introduce it into a new market. He said that he wants me to see this as we are planning our next adventure, not me asking him when we can get the heck out of here. Until then, I've been approaching it from my side I suppose, not making it an open discussion where we equally engage and look for solutions. I am trying to be more positive and open. We just started talking yesterday about what cities might be good for both of us.
So, what do you think is realistic as far as this discussion goes? I don't want to keep pressing when we're leaving, but I'd like to move the discussion along in a way that leads to some sort of decision, not loosely musing on the interesting cities out there, but actually mapping out a cool plan. Thanks for any help!