I tend to be a bit obsessive-compulsive, so what I would do doesn't matter. Keep your eyes open to other possibilities, continue on with your life and don't worry about this person so much. By getting on with your life, one of two things will happen. He will either realize what he has been doing and get it together, or he will bail. Either way, you'll have an answer.
The level of commitment would have to run deeper than it does. This would also show a lack of self-centeredness which is way too abundant in todays society. Don't give up hope though. I do believe that people do get to the point of being able to take a relationship to the next, deeper level. It just takes a while to find them.
Think that is a two way street. Because of the I want tit now society that we live in, I believe that no onw really wants to take the time to get to the level of communication that you are searching for.
Fear is one reason. Fear of rejection. Also, fear of sharing on a level deeper than the surface. Anything you say may be used against you at a later date.
Unfortunately, overcharging does happen everywhere to women. Is very cool that you work on your own, haven't known many women that do that. That could be one of the reasons that men don't believe that it is yours.
Everyone of my previous relationships (all failed obviously) have had one common denominator. Me. Took me a while to figure out that I was the only person that I could change.
The more important question is, will she be able to handle what you do for a living? Will she be able to deal with all the times that you aren't there? Age should be the secondary issue here.
RE: you bored with polite conversation????????
Need to learn to have fun in everything you do.