I’m torn between amazing chemistry and long-term compatibility.
I’m 23F and I’ve been seeing a 24M in Switzerland for a while. We aren’t officially together anymore, but we’re still seeing each other casually and I’m struggling with whether I should end things completely.
The biggest issue is that I want marriage, a house, and children by around 27-28. He wants kids around 35. That’s already a huge difference.
He currently lives with his parents, has no apartment, and is only just starting to build a career. He has talked about maybe studying later, which would mean he wouldn’t really be financially established until around 30 or 31. Meanwhile, I’m in medical school and trying to build a stable future.
The confusing part is that I genuinely enjoy being around him. We have amazing chemistry, the sex is great, he makes me laugh, and I really like his personality. When we’re together, things feel easy.
However, there are things that worry me beyond the financial and timeline differences. He is incredibly forgetful. I often have to remind him of things I’ve already told him multiple times, and I feel like I have to guide him through many aspects of life. Sometimes it feels like I’m carrying the mental load instead of being with someone who takes initiative. He’s kind, but I often feel more like I’m leading than being supported.
Recently I met another 23M. He’s also a medical student, and on paper he’s almost exactly what I’ve always imagined. We’re on the same career path, we have similar goals for the future, and he remembers every little thing I tell him. He asks thoughtful questions, follows up on things I’ve mentioned before, and makes me feel genuinely listened to.
The problem is… I’m not physically attracted to him. I enjoy talking to him, I admire him, and I think he’d probably make a wonderful long-term partner, but I don’t feel that excitement or chemistry that I have with the other guy.
So now I feel torn between two completely different kinds of relationships.
One is someone I’m incredibly attracted to and have amazing chemistry with, but who may not be compatible with the future I want and often leaves me feeling like I have to lead.
The other seems emotionally mature, ambitious, thoughtful, and aligned with my life goals, but I’m struggling to feel physical attraction.
Am I romanticizing chemistry too much? Can physical attraction grow over time, or is it unfair to date someone hoping that it will? And is it worth walking away from someone you have amazing chemistry with because your long-term goals and level of maturity don’t seem to match?
I’d really appreciate honest opinions, especially from people who’ve experienced something similar.
Posted Jul 8, 2026, 12:03 PM UTC