I have two issues, they may be related though. Let me know what you think please.
1). Boyfriend and committment - We've been together over 2 years and have lived together for more than 1. He is wonderful, we love each other very much, and talk/plan for a future together that includes marriage. He left email open in February and I saw one to a friend saying he was "thinking of proposing". Now, 7 months later and nothing. His parents tell me he has said he plans to marry me, but when they ask him about buying a ring, proposing, he doesn't give them a firm answer. Why do they tell me this? I don't know, I guess to tell me to hang in because he is wanting to marry me just no idea when. They say they think "there will be a wedding next year". But I am beginning to wonder.
2). A Guy Friend From Work - I've known him 2 years, met him right after I started dating my boyfriend and though I might like to date him if things didn't work out. However, they are working out so he has remained a friend. This guy has made all sorts of comments indicating how ready he is to get married "the only other person who I will live with is my future wife", "I'll let my wife redecorate my house if she wants", etc. I also feel slightly guilty of our friendship because I think he likes me as more than a friend and would jump on the chance to date me if I was single. He has sent emails like "I wish there were more women like you", "You are a rare girl: smart, beautiful, athletic, etc." The conversations always seem flirty to me, but when I indicate he's crossed a line by saying "You're using your good lines on the wrong person as I'm taken" he acts like I read it all wrong by saying "I know you aren't single, I was just kidding".
So, part of me thinks that if things are never going to happen with my boyfriend I should break up with him and that the other guy would probably propose quickly - because he's said he's ready and I'm exactly the type of girl he wants. I love my boyfriend and think I'm basically getting tired of waiting. Any advice?
If I had to guess, I bet I will be to I need to "be patient". But it's hard after so long and after so many friends have gotten married who have dated for less time than us. Plus everyone is asking ALL the time "We though we'd see a ring on your finger soon! When are you getting married?" I have no idea! I don't really "pressure" him about it because I've always felt that a man should marry you because he WANTS to, not because you NAGGED him into it. Now I can see sort of understand why women put on the pressue. I don't want to give him an ultimatum, but the longer it goes the more I question "Does he really love me? Is he really planning on marrying me?" I know it's probably my mind overreacting. His actions tell me strongly and clearly that he does want to marry me and loves me completely.
