Yes, this is typically an annual trip but, for some reason, the first year we were together it just didn't happen. It was always something that I knew would happen sooner or later, so it's kind of been hanging over my head the entire time. In prior years, before we met, the trip sometimes lasted three or four months and caused problems in prior relationships (including with the ex-wife). But, the friend/partner seems to have a bit more pull in the relationship so, whenever he decides to show up, is when it happens. My boyfriend is from a Mediterranean/Middle Eastern culture, so it's very different than in the West. Here, we plan trips and pretty much know how, when and for how long...it's just a very different thing culturally, and it's now hitting me two years in.

The language would be very difficult to learn in such a way as to be able to have any type of meaningful conversation...I learned a few basic word/phrases as I love to travel (went home with him last year) and experience different cultures. But, it's a great suggestion, so maybe I'll put in some extra effort.

Unfortunately, I just found out tonight that even though the friend/partner will definitely be leaving by year end, my boyfriend will be going home to see his family for New Year's. This is brand new information to me and it was pretty much introduced as a done deal....I'm torn because of all the time we've spent apart lately but also see that he has not seen his family in about a year and a half. It's just really, really bad timing and I'm a little upset that he didn't invite me to go. I would never be able to leave work and go (very busy time of year), but it would have been nice to have been asked.

I appreciate the support from everyone. Sometimes it's good to know that people can take the time to offer help to someone that they don't even know.