Why can't lebanese muslim men stand up to their families when they fall in love with american christian women?

Ok I started dating a lebanese muslim and we fell for each other instantly but last week he tells me we are better off just being friends because in the end like a year from now it will never work. His family will be here at the end of the month and I'm guessing he got scared from what they might say. My question is why even have started this whole thing if you knew in the end it would never go anywhere and why is it muslims cannot marry christians? I know the issue with the children and all but what else?