Well, your concern's realistic. If I'm already thinking things a little negatively, I only wonder what's down the road. If a person is truly happy in their relationship that they think of nothing else, and someone else is busy thinking of how things aren't as wonderful as they could be, that's a problem waiting to happen. I'm just trying to take things 1 day at a time. As I said in my earlier post, we've been together 4 years. I'm in no rush to get married just yet. I'm in no rush to buy a house with him just yet. I guess I need to feel totally convinced for myself that I'm where I want to be.
Nothing is ever perfect... Even in an "ideal" relationship, you will have your ups and downs, and won't always be happy - it's how you get AROUND those challenges that's important. The example with the boyfriend who is trying to embrace the deaf culture and learn is a great example of making things work and adapting. If it is truly meant to be, you will find a way to work around the issues.
Sure there are always issues of one party giving something up for the other, but it is the willingness to do so that is important... A good example was the radio and music... I certainly like to have music playing on a long trip. And no, if I was dating a 'deafie' they wouldn't be able to share in that I guess, but that doesn't mean I am going to dwell on it, or feel like I'm losing an experience I could share with them or whatnot... I mean sure, it is nice to "jam out" with someone to a song, but that just means I have to find something else we can share and enjoy.
I personally think that for a deaf/hearing relationship to work, it is a true testament to the relationship and the feelings between the two people. Most hearing people know very little about deaf culture, and it is sometimes very hard for Deaf people to communicate with the hearing... To be able to work around that and make a strong relationship, it takes a lot of effort on both sides, but at the same time it shows just how much those 2 people care - they are both willing to go outside of what is "easy" for them communication-wise for the sake of the other person.
I would certainly date someone who is Deaf, and would give my all to try to communicate well, learn about the other person and their culture, and work to make things better for both of us. I think if any of you met the "right person", whether they are hearing or not, you would find a way to make it work. Why? Because you like/love/care for them enough to do anything for them.
I read this thread and a couple more on Deaf/hearing relationships, and this is I guess my opinion/thoughts on the matter...