Do I Have a Chance with Happiness?

You sound like a great person. You are clearly capable of love and intimacyAn intimate relationship is a particularly close interpersonal relationship. It can be defined by these characteristics: enduring behavioral interdependence, repeated interactions, emotional...(Click for full definition.). I like that you are open to learning from your partner. It's very important that you listen to the warning signals you are receiving. They cannot and should not be ignored. You have stated several reasons why you are worried about whether or not you are heading for headache: 1) She's said that she's not ready for a long term relationship and stated that she wants to remain single; 2) She's an atheist and you are a Christian; and 3) She smokes weed.

Some of the issuesIssues, in the words of the Serenity Prayer, are things you can change, either by making different personal choices and/or by finding ways to work with your partner more effectively. may be short term. For example, she may change her mind about being single. But she is unlikely to modify her religious status. As for the weed, she may or may not stop using.   You need to ask yourself if you would be willing to make a life with someone who doesn't share your religious values and practices. Likewise would you be willing to spend a life with someone who uses weed. If you are not willing to accept these things, then we need go no further. She isn't right for you. If, however, you are willing to go with these things, then the next issue still needs to be clarified. Does she want to remain single forever?   She touches and rubs you, which means that at the very least she is attracted to you. She is certainly sending you mixed signals. If you want to go forward with her then your best bet is to be very direct with her and tell her that you are receiving mixed signals and you aren't sure which of her signals you should be responding to! If she insists that she wants to stay single for now, then touching should stop since this is only going to inflame you and make you more attached. Until she decides that she wants a romantic involvement, you should assume a hands off policy.   I would also see about having her talk about why she's reluctant to be involved. What went wrong in her past relationships? Is she afraid to be hurt or disappointed again? This would be a good time for her to do some therapy to sort out the reasons for her resistance.   Meanwhile, it would be safer for you to hang back with her. Don't see her too much and try to avoid physical involvement at least until she sees clearer in her own intentions.   Good luck! Let me know what happens.