I [28M] keep getting into dates where the other person is still either 1) figuring out what they want to do in their lives and relationships or 2) they are on their way, but are not there yet. I have a career doing exactly what I want in life, know the relationship I want to have, and am achieving all of my goals.
Example 1: 35F has their career and life sorted out. Values and goals are aligned except she's figuring out if she wants a LTR whereas I know I do. Do people wait for the other person to figure out what they want or should the uncertainty be my sign to move on? Do I seek commitment from her before entering an LTR?
Example 2: 21F is in college, knows herself extremely well, knows exactly what career path she wants to take and the relationship she wants to have – LTR just like me. Very high performance, top of class, is clearly going to succeed if she stays on her path. However, I have an established career and am done with school. Do people patiently wait for the other person to finish school and get a career so they're "on the same level" or should I just let her go even though she wants to have an LTR and go to school full time? Age/life milestone gap just might be too large here?