My very dear Norma,
As far as your relationship is concerned, it seems better to be with him, but don't grasp that you will be with him forever or that he will be with you. If you have the wrong concept of permanence in your heart, you will experience torment and big problems in the future. Of course, this doesn't mean that you shouldn't have loving kindness for him, because you want happiness and he wants happiness. A couple, a family, and the whole world live by depending on the kindness of each other. Of course, there are some countries that are giving harm but countries also support each other.

The proper attitude is not that he is for your happiness but that you are for his happiness. You are there to serve him. Of course, your attitude is not only that but to serve all sentient beings. When you think that you are there for him, so many expectations stop, they don't arise. If you don't think like this you experience so much worry and fear, so much attachment, and your expectations are not met—all this is torture. You have no real peace and happiness, no relaxation, only more torture.

I can't say one hundred percent, but according to my observations the relationship will last around three or four years. But this is just how long it will last in your heart, then it is not certain what will happen. It is up to you whether you need to tell him or not. Do whatever is best. Maybe there is no need to inform him.

Anyway, this is the attitude to have whether you live with this man or someone else: I am a servant for sentient beings. I'm here to serve others. So, you have loving kindness and compassion first from your side.

Also, you have life obstacles so you should liberate 60 animals, maybe the Dharma center can help you. Maybe it fits in with the hospice so discuss it with them. We have a certain way doing it, a most beneficial way of doing it. Not only do you liberate animals from a place where they will be killed, but you liberate them in their own environment, giving a long life to them and to you who are liberating them. What we do is most beneficial for the animals. We liberate them from the lower realms and from samsara and bring them to enlightenment by chanting mantras, taking them around many holy objects, blessing water and then pouring or sprinkling it on the animals, from forest birds to many other kinds of animals. There are three very important ways to liberate animals and to purify their negative karma.

Also, you should make 15 long life tsa-tsas. Contact the center about how to do this. You have to learn how to do it. Be sure you make them well, not imperfect with missing limbs, eyes, or nose. [See the Commentary on Tsa-tsa Practice for more information.]

Also, print 150 long life sutras. You can get one from the center. It is good to print and read it.

It is also good to keep the card of the Boudha stupa and to pray to it for success. If you remember the Boudha stupa when you die, you will be completely saved from the lower realms.

With much love and prayers...