I can't believe I missed the whole thread. It's not as though I avoid the LM&F board, but I obviously haven't been here for a week an look at what I'm catching up with now. Thanks, I, for sharing this with us and allowing us all to respond.
Invictus, it's tough to say it, but you were wise to break with her. Not only are you saying goodbye to a girlfriend, but in a way you're also saying goodbye to China for the time being. Not forever, one hopes, but for the moment this certainly colours your relationship with the muddled kingdom. That's a tough goodbye.
One thing that impresses me is that people's contributions here say as much about them as about your situation. Some may use stronger, more direct language, others may couch their reservations and second thoughts in more more guarded terms, but what people pick up on and how they say it tells us a lot about who they are. I'm tempted to quote specific things people have written here that I think show exceptional wisdom and insight, but this isn't my target audience. I think I'll bookmark this thread and save it for the day when I'm talking with friends and the topic of love and marriage comes up.