Hello, NotWithoutRage. Each situation is different, as Nocturne said. I can tell you this, each of these differences can make or break your relationship with him. It’s all a matter of degree, how important these issues are to you both.
For example, I am both Pro-Choice and Pro-Life. They are not necessarily mutually exclusive. As pro-life as I am, I also am a firm believer in each individual’s right to choose. After all, when we are all standing before Almighty God on Judgement Day, we will be facing Him alone, with the exception of those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior. I don’t want to start a religious discussion here <though I’m always willing, just not in this thread or format>. I am saying that my beliefs are this, and that since I believe this to be the absolute truth, I have no problem with each woman making that choice for herself. She will answer to Him on that day for her choices, just as I will answer for my choices, good or bad. I do however have a problem with murdering innocent babies, but that’s another topic altogether in some ways.
Anyway, before I get sidetracked, the differences you’ve listed can become major sticking points and keep you two from a full relationship; or they can become talking points, to share differing views without prejudice, anger, or worst of all, judging each other. You can agree to disagree on some of these, then again, if they’re vitally important to you both or to one, then you will have to find a compromise or break up eventually.
Politics can be easy to compromise on, or stay away from. Religion, especially when having it or the lack of it is of major importance to one or both, is often what breaks up couples; I guess feelings are far too strong for most people to find a compromise here, and truthfully, it’s very hard to do. I can’t answer how important circumcision or not is to you or to him; it will become critically important if you should ever have a son together. Better to discuss that now, before the fact, and come to whatever agreement you can.
From the list you offer, the two biggest hurdles that I see will be the religion issue and the sexual lifestyle issue. For any relationship to truly work longterm, monogamy must be part of it; no matter what some would have you believe. Sooner or later, it will be a huge issue between you. That being said, you being bi will automatically interfere with that monogamy, if you insist on being able to have sex with females as well as men. I’ve seen several good marriages disintegrate over this very issue.
I hope this helps in some way, or at least gives you food for thought. If you have any questions, or would like to discuss any of this further with me, either on the board or via email or whatever, I’m willing. I can respect your right to be an atheist without feeling it would compromise my own faith; same with the sexual lifestyle issue. <I’m straight, if that matters to you.>
Love is grand, it’s the most wonderful thing in the world. It will lift you to heights you’ve never dreamed of, paint your world with all the colors of the rainbow, give you strength and courage to face whatever life throws your way.
It can also…well, that’s another discussion for another time.
Follow your heart, it often knows better than you do.
{{{{{{NotWithoutRage}}}}}}