It’s really hard to feel this way because I feel like I’m elitist or wrong for thinking he isn’t smart enough or will be able to make me happy because he isn’t from the same intellectual background. I’m university educated with plans to complete a masters and my boyfriend only finished high school.

If he was particularly skilled at something or worked in a trade I wouldn’t mind, but I feel like he’s generally happy and content with his life and doesn’t seem to have drive for major improvements. He’s loyal, hard working, caring, and compassionate but I feel like he knows I need more from him and it bothers him.

I know he wants to give me the world, but I don’t feel like he can give me more than he has now. I was very lucky to have traveled the world, and he hasn’t been anywhere and has no desire to travel. I feel like he can’t understand diverse concepts or detailed analysis of philosophy, politics, world history, science, and other things. But I love him and adore his compassion. I feel like he looks at these concepts or things and just says “ well you know I’m not that smart” instead of realizing learning is free and knowledge is everywhere. He’s actually very clever - just not well exposed.

I told him that I want him to grow as a person in whatever way he desires, but if he doesn’t establish a plan in a few months I won’t stay. He makes me very happy, but I know long term I will need more. We are young, but I want growth potential intellectually and financially.

I’m wondering what other people’s experiences are and what they recommend I do... I don’t want to loose him, but I also don’t know how to create an environment he wants to grow in.

Any thoughts ?