I am feeling really frustrated and defensive these past few days, and I thought if there are any ladies who might be able to give me some support, then this is the place to be.

Background info: I am a 25yo female. I live in a small village where I returned two years ago after being away from home, studying and partying for 5 years. About 8 months ago I got a 'proper' career job, I am currently living with my father, caring for him part time (mainly cooking, hoovering and company).

I've spent the last 6 months in a massive rut. I got a great job but quickly realised that I only got the job because it was logical, I didn't actually enjoy it. I like my colleagues but don't bond with them on a friendship level.

3 months ago I met a 25yo male. Very different from any one I'm usually in the company of. I grew up working in bars so I was used to the cocky lad. This one was confident in a way where he did not need anyone's approval. Never tried to impress others, one of the most content people I knew. He was living away for work and was visiting family for a month. We spend a full 2 weeks together before he went back (4 hour drive away) and he came back every other weekend, sometimes more, to see me since.

I've slotted into his family perfectly, they love me like a daughter. His parents have me over for dinner weekly whilst he is gone, he finds this silly but he is an only child and his mum just loves to fuss over him! The way he sees it, the more she has me then the more he escapes all the attention! I went to every of their family event over Xmas and was given so so many gifts. I handmade each of them a gift also.

I can't explain why we work so well, but we do. He is so mature and motivated, that he really brings out the best in me. Together we work out and eat well, work from home, walk the dogs etc. It sounds like the honeymoon phase still, and maybe it is (not to say we don't have our disagreements) but the bottom line is I feel safe, loved and settled.

We have spent the Christmas period discussing the future. I only have a small group of friends and family here, and a desk jockey job which I am way overqualified for. And I frankly don't have much of a goal (I just started a from home business so this is shaping up to become my main priority). He has a great job, getting more qualifications by the day, and has more than enough money. I suggested in order to be together, the long term plan should be for me to relocate, not him. My career prospects would be better there anyway.

The aim would be for this to happen in October. 10 months away! My thinking is that, if we are still together then, over a year, then I wouldn't want to have to wait another year (for a lease to end) because we weren't on the ball. If it all goes tits up when I leave, I just pack my bags and head on home. I'm in a better position to start a fresh than he is. And I am more than happy to start a life with him when this time comes.

His family are so happy for us. They support us and offer all and any help. My best friend supports me to. However, anyone else I know thinks I'm being stupid? I keep hearing that we 'probably won't be together by then' and I think so what?! If we're not together then I don't go! I actually don't lose anything as he is putting the deposit down for the both of us and I'm not paying until I get a job up there (his suggestion).

I don't get why it's everyone's business, but I do know that it is starting to get to me. I never thought I would find a love like this, and I certainly didn't see it coming for another 5 years. So it's earlier than expected? Big deal. I don't have much else to do, and aren't we supposed to want to take risks? You know, not live life from the sidelines?

This won't happen until after our one year anniversary, and if by then I change my mind, then I know the relationship isn't for me. But I have not been this excited about anything ever. Why is everyone so against me taking this leap to start a life? If I was moving all by myself for a job, no one bats an eyelid. But God forbid I found a keeper.

So I guess what I'm saying is, do they have a point? Am I really just being foolish, or are they just trying to make me feel bad? And about the guy, we actually grew up really close and although we never met, we have a huge number of mutual friends. I know enough of them well enough so if there was a huge obvious issue with him, I really believe someone would let me know.

I get the concern, but my family and friends actually really like him and really like us. They think I'm rushing, but we are planning 10months in advance? That way, I will have enough time to know if I am doing the right thing. I just don't get whats going on. People are in so much support of us, just not me moving. Has anyone else dealt with this? Is there anything I can do to make sure their comments don't get to me? I wish I could explain the situation better, I'm just a planning person and if we want a flat by October, we have to put a deposit down in March (student town) so I need to plan and visit now really.

Am I really being blind? Or are people being jealous? (fyi, it's mostly older people who are divorced who are saying these comments to me, and I look up to them as people which is why it's getting to me).

Thank you ladies. I hope you all had a wonderful Holidays!