Good luck original Guest. Likje so many others I do wish you well. I have nothing specific to add except that a bit of understanding and standing back and putting yourself out for your partner - will pay off. You seem an deep thinking and honst person. You deserve the best. We are all rooting for you.

A smile before I leave. I have a son in Japan who is living with a Japanese girl. My good mother in Holy Ireland (God rest her) would have had a seizure at the thought of such an arrangement!). She is a lovely girl and they get on so well. They are engaged, but she has yet to tell her folks. In traditional Japanese families parental (or more important paternal) consent is a must for a young girl.

My son was telling me of a male Japanese friend who was depressed because his sisters engaement was terminated. The lived in Kyushu - the southern island. Her Daddy's first question was "Where is he from" the reply: "From Tokyo". The definitive and blunt answer "No daughter of mine will marry a man from Tokyo"

My young fella is keping his fingers crossed. Happy weekend all mudcatters.