Sorry, but as a flight attendant (16 years) I would never allow your boyfriend to sit there. Even if he could very well open the door and help in an evac, other people on board (possibly including FAA inspectors) might not feel as confident. I also don't allow those who need a seatbelt extender or who don't absolutely convince me that they can actually FIT through the exit door. I am very fussy about my exit rows and I don't apologize for it one bit.