Religious differences...Possible to overcome, or unfair?

My OLD profile states I’m only looking to date Christians. Matched with an agnostic, end of last week, and ended up chatting a bit. This turned into hours-long phone conversations and one in-person date. We get along like we’ve known each other forever, finishing each other’s sentences and everything. I have never felt this kind of connection before.

He says he’s been considering returning to Christianity (he was raised Christian). I told him I don’t want to force religion on anybody, but for a long-term relationship, this is very important to me. He said he understood, and expects that things won’t continue unless he ultimately decides to convert.

I’m now losing my shit, because I don’t think it’s fair to either of us to pursue a relationship with this issue hanging over our heads. Expecting someone to convert in order to be with me feels like the shittiest move ever, and even if he did, would it be sincere or just to keep the relationship going? All the same, I’m terrified of hurting this good man if he decides not to convert. It should be his free choice, not a condition to be with someone.

Do I give this a little more time, or do I apologize profusely for letting things get this far, and tell him I can’t do this to him? Friends I’ve asked have differing opinions.

I’m literally hiding in my bedroom ugly crying about this. Wise Redditors, what should I do?

Submitted August 07, 2019 at 12:11AM

My OLD profile states I’m only looking to date Christians. Matched with an agnostic, end of last week, and ended up chatting a bit. This turned into hours-long phone conversations and one in-person date. We get along like we’ve known each other forever, finishing each other’s sentences and everything. I have never felt this kind of connection before.He says he’s been considering returning to Christianity (he was raised Christian). I told him I don’t want to force religion on anybody, but for a long-term relationship, this is very important to me. He said he understood, and expects that things won’t continue unless he ultimately decides to convert.I’m now losing my shit, because I don’t think it’s fair to either of us to pursue a relationship with this issue hanging over our heads. Expecting someone to convert in order to be with me feels like the shittiest move ever, and even if he did, would it be sincere or just to keep the relationship going? All the same, I’m terrified of hurting this good man if he decides not to convert. It should be his free choice, not a condition to be with someone.Do I give this a little more time, or do I apologize profusely for letting things get this far, and tell him I can’t do this to him? Friends I’ve asked have differing opinions.I’m literally hiding in my bedroom ugly crying about this. Wise Redditors, what should I do?