I (32F) talked to my boyfriend (34M) about marriage and said it's something I am looking for - I made it clear I'm interested in it sooner rather than later. We've been dating for 2 years. We had this conversation several months ago.

Since then, I haven't seen any changes in him that would indicate that he's moving towards that direction. He's very interested in his career, takes proactive steps there, and travels - and he recently told me that he suggested to a friend that they live together. That has made me think that he's not thinking of a future with me anytime soon.

I'm really sad because I really love this guy - he's so funny, kind, sweet, affectionate, and there's so much love between us. I'm 32, though. I can't wait forever and if he's not ready to take me off the market completely, then...I recognize that I'll have to cut the relationship off and explore other options.

Here's what I was thinking to do, and curious what you think - I was thinking that I could tell him that I could continue to date him, but not exclusively. AKA take the relationship back to the dating stage. That way, I can continue to explore other options, and go on dates with other men who have similar intentions, and since my bf is unsure about his future with me, he can continue to be unsure about that, no problem...but he just won't have my exclusivity or 100% of my time and attention anymore. I don't plan on sleeping with anyone (either him or the other men), but that way I won't be taken off the market - and he'll also understand that if it's not headed towards marriage, then he'll have to compete with other men for my time and commitment and may ultimately lose me. I'm genuinely not thinking of doing that to be manipulative - I just feel that maybe it's what we both need. He'd have the freedom to explore his uncertainty; I'd have the freedom to potentially get more certainty (from other men).

What do you think? Any other suggestions? I've already brought it up once. He hasn't brought it up again. I get the feeling he'll be happy to not explore marriage for another 4-5 years, which won't work for me, and I also feel it's insulting to me to have to bring it up to him again - I'd feel like I was nagging him, and I don't want to feel that way. I just want him to marry me on his own accord, and I don't see that happening.