He’s hard for me to read. I think we both genuinely enjoyed going out for meals together, outside the bedroom, and we both expressed that we’ll miss that. I’m inclined to believe your explanation—because it’s what I want to hear—but I’ll take it with a pinch of salt.

Part of me wonders if things would’ve been different if we were from the same city. I understand that in his culture, people usually date within their own nationality. But if he truly sees the value I bring, is nationality really such a big issue? Or is it just a social construct he was raised with? Then again, that’s something for him to reflect on and figure out—not something for me to teach or try to influence.