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Pro-tip: If it has been 2 years and he still hasn't proposed , it's probably a sign that he's not that into you

July 5, 2023
102 upvotes

(This advice is for people over 23. If you're very young then I guess it makes sense to wait a few years to become more established....)

Example 1: Friend always wanted to be a young mom, that was her dream. Also, she has some kind of fertility issue and is afraid that if she starts trying too late, she might not be able to conceive. She has been with this guys for almost 8 years now. She's 28, he's 30. They're both financially stable and it's unlikely that their situation will get any better in the future. He said he wanted to wait until 30 to marry/have kids. He's 30 now and still finds excuses to delay it... Also, he publicly humiliates/insults my friend and uses "it's just a joke" as an excuse. For example, she posts a picture on fb and he leaves a comment "jokingly" making fun of her appearance. I personally think it's awful behavior but my friend tolerates it. She slowly starts becoming resentful of him for making her wait so long though. Even if they do get married, I can't see them lasting long.

Example 2: She was 25, he was 29 when they met. It was obvious from the start that she was into him more than he was into her. He made her wait over 8 years, using every excuse imaginable to delay it. She had to practically beg him to commit. Finally they had a kid when she was 34. Guess what , they're divorcing now and I'm not surprised.

My point is that if a man is really into you he will try to lock you down pretty quickly. Waiting is usually a waste of your time.

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Post Information
Title Pro-tip: If it has been 2 years and he still hasn't proposed , it's probably a sign that he's not that into you
Author Novel-Tip-7570
Upvotes 102
Comments 68
Date July 5, 2023 1:59 PM UTC (5 months ago)
Subreddit /r/RedPillWomen
Archive Link https://theredarchive.com/r/RedPillWomen/pro-tip-if-it-has-been-2-years-and-he-still-hasnt.1224358
https://theredarchive.com/post/1224358
Original Link https://old.reddit.com/r/RedPillWomen/comments/14rbgr0/protip_if_it_has_been_2_years_and_he_still_hasnt/
Comments

[–]MsSmiley1230[🍰] 67 points68 points  (4 children) | Copy Link

I believe that men know pretty quickly if they want to be with you long term or not. My husband has told me that he knew within the first week that he was interested in being with me long term. He was talking about marrying me a few months into it.

Also I wouldn’t want to be with a man I had to beg for commitment from. I would forever be anxious about his feelings. It’s really nice to be with a man who was decisive about wanting you. It makes me feel safe, secure, and beautiful.

[–]creepingforresearch 8 points9 points  (2 children) | Copy Link

I love that for you. Ive never experienced a man that was decisive about me, so I can't speak from experience. But it sounds like a much more enjoyable experience.

[–]flower_power_g1rl 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

My man was decisive about me, and I was very shocked. He said he was sure about me after one year. Whereas I was with my ex for four years and we didn't say we were sure. So it took me a long time to digest, and now after two years I am certain about my man, too.

[–]MsSmiley1230[🍰] 2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

You will find that person!

[–]youllknowwhenitstimeEndorsed Contributor 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Agreed. 2 years is far too long a timeline for me to advise any woman to wait on a man's decision. IF a man wants to get married, he's going to know within 6 months. Not 1 year. Not 2 years. And far, far faster than that if he's got the HVM skill of decisiveness. (Anecdotally this can often be seen in businessmen who are accustomed to making high-stakes decisions quickly, and make them well, to avoid opportunity cost.)

Counter-examples of late marriage decisions are usually either:

  1. A man who did not initially want to get married decides he wants to get married. After that decision, whenever it occurs, he will know if he wants the woman he's currently with or another.
  2. A man with self-direction issues agrees to marry his current girlfriend because he knows he'll lose his cushy girlfriend situation if he doesn't, and isn't confident he can gain another woman if so.

[–]Ok_Obligation_61101 Star 16 points17 points  (5 children) | Copy Link

I actually agree with this as someone whose now husband and I were together for 5 years before we got married. We met when we were 23 and 26 respectively. We fell in love, he promised to propose, and then didn’t so we broke up at the 2 year mark. We got back together nearly a year later and didn’t get engaged for another year and a half. I’m a rare situation and I know it. Similar as many other situations, my husband and I moved cities within 6 months of dating for his PhD program.

Do NOT date men at the start of med school, phd, etc I do not know of a single man who has been in one of those programs who didn’t exit it single, and is only married if it was before or after, never ever during the program. It’s high stress and takes as much time as two full time jobs even and pretty much halts your adulthood by sticking you back in school in the middle of your 20s, it’s no wonder men get an existential crisis and either break up with long term girlfriends or string others along for years only to immediately marry someone else once they get a job. They can’t picture marrying you when they’re not themselves a provider yet and have years and years till they will be.

[–]flower_power_g1rl -1 points0 points  (3 children) | Copy Link

"do not date men at the beginning of their PhD program" excuse me miss I highly disagree! If a woman is passionate about education, like me, she would be really happy to learn all about the PhD journey through her man. And my country is highly educated, and many people get engaged, married or have children during med school or PhD. If they want to then they will. Also a PhD can be anywhere between 3-7 years. And they can take breaks, like a whole year or more, if needed.

[–]Ok_Obligation_61101 Star 0 points1 point  (2 children) | Copy Link

I never said there was anything wrong with getting a PhD or anything, and I’m pretty highly educated myself. I’m glad my husband got his degree, I supported him throug it if you actually read my comment. My point is it’s RARE to get married and have kids in that program in the US anyway. Maybe your country is more flexible with those programs but DEFINITELY not in the US. I’ve had friends request a year off med school or a PhD and have had their funding cancelled for the entire rest of the program as a result, or have been asked to defer. I having lived through this with my husband know a fair amount about how it works and taking a break in a program is not a good idea. At the risk of ‘outing myself’ my husbands PhD is from the top business school in the country, where presidents attend. I think I know the pressure!

[–]flower_power_g1rl 0 points1 point  (1 child) | Copy Link

Yes, it is rare in the US but not where I live. They were asked to defer! Wow... maybe getting married or having kids is taboo for US in med school or graduate degrees, but it's the norm where I live. Thanks for sharing!

[–]Ok_Obligation_61101 Star 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

It definitely is it’s seen as ‘not giving your all’ to the program.

[–]Creative-Care4953 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

This! My husband did not propose until the end of our PhD programs and that was in Year 5. But we agreed from our first date that we were marriage minded and started making plans once we were official.

[–]Jenneapolis3 Stars 17 points18 points  (3 children) | Copy Link

Just sharing for discussion Laura Doyle's advice from "Surrendered Single" - Chapter 27 "Honor Your Desire to be Married but Never Make Ultimatums." If he hasn't proposed by 6 months, let him know you want to be married and if he does not, you will move along. The point isn't that he agrees to marry you immediately, it is instead that he agrees he will marry you at some point and the two of you come up with an agreed upon timeframe. Her argument is this is not an ultimatum (marry me or else!) but rather stating what you need in your life and honoring your desires.

I was really surprised when I read this and felt like that was WAY too quick. I do think age plays a big factor here - this is unlikely to work at 20 but seems more fair at 30 plus. What I do agree with is making your intent known from the very beginning and watching for steps that indicate the relationship is moving forward - meeting friends and family, making long-term plans, essentially anything more than verbal promises.

[–]Jessicagal226 11 points12 points  (2 children) | Copy Link

Yeah like I see couples in their 20s waiting 2-4 years before marriage, I think the whole 6 month to a year thing is more for couples above age 30. I’ve never seen a couple in their 20s get engaged/married within 1 year. I’m sure it’s happened, but every couple I know irl and online, the average time until engagement is 2-4 years.

[–]Jenneapolis3 Stars 2 points3 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

I think what she is getting at is to come to an agreement around six months. That agreement could be something like we will get engaged in 2 years and have a wedding the following year. That would equal 3.5 years from meeting to wedding.

Personally I don’t know what’s right or wrong here, just sharing her theory as I understand it. Some of the examples she shares include waiting for a guy to finish school for years so it doesn’t necessarily mean ring on the finger in six months.

[–]Jessicagal226 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

Yeah I can understand that.

[–]LocalCap5093 29 points30 points  (14 children) | Copy Link

The only other person that isn’t my husband but I’d see myself marrying we basically broke up because of this. I was 25 and he was 27 starting med school.

Promising future and all but…. I just didn’t want to bet on the whole process and not breaking up? Plus it’s a long long time…obviously in the end he wasn’t the one because I’m happily married now lol but it’s my one what if.

I met my husband 7 months later and he proposed within… 3 months! My ex reached out after saying how lucky he had been etc 🙃 but yeah I’m a believer I’m ‘if he wanted to he would’

[–]princess_mothra 18 points19 points  (13 children) | Copy Link

You definitely made the right call. Have seen so many stories of people choosing to stay through med school, support their partners, then get left as soon as their partner finishes.

[–]LocalCap5093 4 points5 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Yup… this was my biggest fear. We only had some disagreements with his temper… and some financial stuff (he made 4-5 times more than I did but due to our age he said we should be 50/50 but I did 90% housework) I was looking for 60/40 in some areas due to pay discrepancy. But yeah at that point I had already supported him through the whole med school process and all so /:

I feel like he just had to grow? It sucks because between this sub and I, his family was my ‘dream’ in laws. Loved his sister and his parents. I didn’t come from a ‘loving’ family and his was a dream. Got a text from his mom recently congratulating me about a feature I got for my career. My current in laws… not great, so many issues. But I love my husband!

I wonder now how people here deal w in laws lol

[–]princess_mothra 3 points4 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

I’m so happy that you found the man of your dreams! Your story really emphasizes that you have to sometimes make tough choices to find your path.

However, sorry about the in-laws. Honestly I lucked out in that department miraculously, but I bet the ladies here have some good advice on this subject because it is so common.

My cousin divorced her cheating, alcoholic, bum of a husband and his family sided with her and they still get together haha. Sometimes the in-laws are better than the man attached. Sometimes not so much.

[–]mistressusa 1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

A female doctor posted here a while ago and said, among other things, that male doctors and residents have women throw themselves at them. She said something like "you really have to see it to believe it" Lol I guess it's true.

[–]princess_mothra 6 points7 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Yeah definitely loyal doctors out there but honestly I could never advise someone spend their best years supporting a man they aren’t married to through med school. Too much risk involved. I completely believe the doctor you are mentioning, I have heard the same from so many nurses lol

[–]Jessicagal226 7 points8 points  (8 children) | Copy Link

I think 2 years is crazy though. Anything over 4 years is too long but 2 years? Come on, people need to touch grass. Anybody who gets engaged in 3 months is an outlier. Tons of people in healthy relationships get engaged within 2-4 years and this post is basically saying they aren’t worth shit because the bfs waited a bit longer

[–]princess_mothra 16 points17 points  (7 children) | Copy Link

OP is doing a noble service. At the end you know your relationship better than anyone could, but men admit to knowing quite early on.

The post is definitely not saying they aren’t worth shit, you are putting words into their mouth. Lol. It’s a cautionary tale that many women need to consider so they don’t end up 40, single, and childless with only the leftovers to pick from.

[–]Jessicagal226 -5 points-4 points  (6 children) | Copy Link

Of course men know early on, I didn’t say that. A man could know early on he wants to marry you but still propose within 2-4 years. That’s how most men do it nowadays? And I said that because the tone of the post comes off that way. Basically shaming all men and women who wait over 2 years. Yeah, 4+ years is too long. Also, not everybody wants children. And why are you comparing people to leftovers? Like seriously omg everybody in this thread needs to touch grass

[–]princess_mothra 6 points7 points  (5 children) | Copy Link

You are interpreting the post that way because you are projecting your bad mood onto it. Carry on

[–]Jessicagal226 -3 points-2 points  (4 children) | Copy Link

Bad mood? Lmao, the hell are you even saying? I’m in a perfectly good mood. I’m allowed to give my opinion on a post that I find ridiculous. Posts like these give women in perfectly normal relationships tons of anxiety. It’s fucked and I’m speaking up about it because the internet is not reality

[–]princess_mothra 6 points7 points  (3 children) | Copy Link

Give your opinion? I didn’t say you could not, you are just talking with a mad attitude like it personally offended you. You seem mad about other people’s opinions.OP wasn’t directing it personally at you.

Have a good day, please don’t @ me anymore lol. I can’t with the toxic behavior anymore.

[–]saddensgirl1 Star 8 points9 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

I agree with this. My husband and I met very young, but got engaged within 2 years and married within 5. He wanted to make sure he was financially secure before marriage and I wanted to know he was serious about us having a future together. So we compromised by having a longer engagement until he felt more financially secure and could properly provide for our family.

[–]Twisting_Me 45 points46 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

My point is that if a man is really into you he will try to lock you down pretty quickly. Waiting is usually a waste of your time.

This

[–]CreatingLov3 14 points15 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

I am Muslim so we approach things from a different perspective. In my opinion one month is plenty of time to decide if a relationship is long term or not, and a year for the marriage to happen. Just tell men your expectations from the beginning and if they waffle cut them loose. If people ask the hard questions from the beginning and leave the fun for later, relationships would have a solid foundation. It’s not good to discuss major topics like children, timelines and marriage months into a relationship. As a woman, you have to know what you want and be willing to walk away if you don’t get it. You will never get a guys love or respect if you are afraid of losing him.

[–]SeminoleDollxx 9 points10 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Absofreakinglutely.

This is 100% facts.

My husband met me and proposed in 3 months . We've been married for 12 years now.

I do not understand all the hemming and hawing about simply signing the marriage certificate. People will play house for YEARS. Like what is the difference??!!! Your doing EVERYTHING but signing the doc !

Engagement shouldn't last more than a year. And honestly a relationship shouldnt last more than 1-2 years without a proposal.

Otherwise it's just placeholder status.

And you don't have to give an ultimatum....just state explicitly from the get go that you are seeking a husband to be a wife for.

So when that 2 year mark comes....and you gently let them know that you would like to end the relationship due to it not leading to marriage....they will already understand the pretense.

[–]countrylemon 18 points19 points  (16 children) | Copy Link

Maybe but my partner waited a long time before proposing because like most men he wanted to be financially stable. We’ve been together 11 years.

I’d rather never be married and be with what I consider the best man on the entire planet than be married to anyone else.

I think while this is a good general rule of thumb, commitment is more than just a ring on your finger and legally binding documents, and if within 2 years you’ve not developed a depthy and deep relationship, why propose? because of a timeline? That’s actually insane to me.

[–]ChikenGod 8 points9 points  (7 children) | Copy Link

True for some women, but for a lot of us marriage is very important and I would not want to be in a relationship unless it had potential for marriage. I think it’s one thing if you meet when you are younger, but for women 25+, 2 years and no ring? I’d leave lol

[–]countrylemon 3 points4 points  (2 children) | Copy Link

Absolutely, I remember being very emotional when he hadn’t proposed 2, 5, 6 years down the line, but then you have a choice to either stay or leave. As I said to another woman, if he’s making actionable tangible steps towards a committed life, (owning property or putting financials towards a combined life, talking about children, etc) it’s an ongoing and open conversation, then I think there doesn’t have to be a dead fast timeline.

If he’s the RIGHT man, the one you want to be with for life, and he feels the same way, marriage will happen. It only isn’t going to happen if the man is lying or complacating someone.

[–]ChikenGod 1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Yes totally agree- i more meant that 2 years without a clear timeline/goal for marriage would be a sign that it may never happen. Men who are committed to women are intentional. If you let them know that you are interested in marriage and they do nothing to make that happen in 2 years, then that’s when I would run.

[–]countrylemon 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

100000%

[–]Jessicagal226 -2 points-1 points  (3 children) | Copy Link

ive seen some women wait 3-4 years for a ring and them and their man are both very in love and happy so idk if its as easy as saying just leave. like think about it. its a bit ridiculous because if he waits 1 day under the 2 year mark he wants you but if he waits 1 day over the 2 year mark he doesn't want you? I mean most couples on average take 2-4 years to get engaged so a lot of men don't propose in under 2 years and if they do they're usually in their mid 30s or older. its just what ive seen irl and online

[–]diaryofalostgirl2 Stars 8 points9 points  (2 children) | Copy Link

its a bit ridiculous because if he waits 1 day under the 2 year mark he wants you but if he waits 1 day over the 2 year mark he doesn't want you?

I somehow doubt women are putting a note on their Google Calendar exactly two years after meeting a man that says "If he hasn't proposed, leave".

[–]countrylemon 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

someone posted here the other day that if she wasn’t committed to after 8 years she was leaving by 25 and when she turned 25 and no ring, she walked.

[–]Jessicagal226 -1 points0 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

I wouldn't be surprised if some women were doing that.

[–]Whatstheuse4 3 points4 points  (3 children) | Copy Link

I agree with you. Do I want to be married to my boyfriend? Absolutely. We have just recently started talking about it seriously, and we’ve been together about 3 and a half years. He just bought a house a year ago that I moved into and don’t pay to live in. That shows commitment to me! I’m a part of all of his future plans. I also think the absolute charade of marriage and weddings is ridiculous but that’s another story. I want a simple, small wedding and to immediately have a family.

[–]countrylemon 2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

That absolutely does! As long as he’s making tangible steps to prove he’s committed I think timelines can be heavily adjusted. Important part is you’re both working towards the same objective, a happy, stable and fulfilled life together. Marriage is a part of that and when it’s meant to happen it will. That’s what happens in stable long term committed relationships!

[–]SeminoleDollxx 1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

Y'all could literally buy some nice clothes and have your parents come to his new home with the justice of the peace and get on with it. I never understand people needing to wait for the marriage certificate but not living together for years.. or a baby for example. ...what difference would it make if you've already been together for years, will be living together, and he's having you move intot he house he bought?

Ding ding ding just get married !

Marriage IS a stabilization tool....

[–]Whatstheuse4 0 points1 point  (0 children) | Copy Link

I agree with you, I’m just saying that it’s not the end all be all of commitment. Of course I want to be a married couple for when we have children. But a proposal is not the only sign that a man is committed to you, that’s all I’m saying

[–]SeminoleDollxx 0 points1 point  (3 children) | Copy Link

You don't need to be financially stable. Hire a justice of the peace and ride off into the sunset. The ones who spend oddles on their wedding usually don't make it because of all the pressure...it makes you start to dislike each other. Marriage IS the stabilizer....

[–]countrylemon 0 points1 point  (2 children) | Copy Link

I wasn’t talking about financially stable for a wedding, I’m talking in terms of being prepared to start a family, have a place for that family. I’m very team courthouse or elopement!

[–]SeminoleDollxx -1 points0 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

The reason to propose due to a time line is because at the 2 year mark you are already doing everything that a married couple would do without the wonderful official standing of the marriage certificate. why wait for 5 years of being together since you are living like a married couple anyway?

[–]countrylemon 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

that’s very boxed thinking, not every couple is “doing everything that a married couple would do” at two years

[–]GetCraefty 2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

It depends, there’s no set advice for everyone. My husband and I were together for 5 years before we got married. Met at 21, it was important to him to finish school first and he went back to college about 6 months after we met. We’ve been married 11 years now. We talked about marriage early though so we had a plan all along. It wasn’t as if we never talked about it.

[–]Jessicagal226 2 points3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Woah, what? You say 2 years but then you use examples that include girls who waited 8 years. That’s a huuuuuge stretch. Why are you saying 2 years when your examples are based off of girls who waited 8+ years? And plus, what about long distance relationships? Some people don’t see their partners for months/years at a time. That can quickly add up to 2 years before you know it. I know so many girls who are in happy marriages/relationships engaged after 2/3/4 years and the men are very in love with them. Idk you saying 2 years just seems off to me because of what I’ve seen in real life. I feel like if a man waits too long it would be after 3.5 years to 4 years and 5 years is WAY too long but definitely not 2 unless you’re over the age of 30. And also, you’re basically saying that if a man waits 3 years to propose, it’s because he’s settling? So tell that to all the women whose boyfriends waited 3 years because of your arbitrary 2 year timeline. I’m sure they would be happy to hear that their boyfriends are not that into them.

[–]AmilliBee 0 points1 point  (1 child) | Copy Link

I don't completely agree with this. My boyfriend and I discussed our timelines. He believes 3 years is the proper waiting period (all of his previous relationships cheated on him by that time period, so I think he's cautious). However, that doesn't mean he isn't into me. We talk about marriage. He's planning the music set he wants to do at our wedding. Asks me about if his sister will be in my wedding party. He's asked me about what I prefer for proposals and such. He talks about our future together (when we're married and when we have kids). When he talks about being older and a grandparent, it's always with me as his wife and mother of his children. I think as long as there is communication about expectations, living by an internet strangers timeline is a disservice to your actual relationship. Every relationship is different because every person is different.

[–]Jessicagal226 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

yeah exactly, this is what ive been trying to say. posts like this on TikTok and reddit just give women in perfectly normal healthy loving relationships major anxiety. 2-3 years until a proposal is perfectly normal. like its great to get engaged before then, but if you got to wait 2-3 or even 4 years (which I would say it shouldn't extend past 4 if youre over age 25) that doesn't mean the man doesn't want you. ive seen very happy/in love couples get engaged at the 3-4 year mark and they're VERY happy together so don't listen to close minded people when it comes to your own relationship. like yes its good to have boundaries and of course you don't want to wait 5+ years for a proposal, don't be a doormat of course, but posts like these saying if a man doesn't propose within 2 years then he doesn't want you is so toxic and so misleading to the general public because it isn't real life. and I read a study done where they said 3 years is the sweet spot. so there ya go

[–]AutoModerator[M] -1 points0 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Title: Pro-tip: If it has been 2 years and he still hasn't proposed , it's probably a sign that he's not that into you

Full text: (This advice is for people over 23. If you're very young then I guess it makes sense to wait a few years to become more established....)

Example 1: Friend always wanted to be a young mom, that was her dream. Also, she has some kind of fertility issue and is afraid that if she starts trying too late, she might not be able to conceive. She has been with this guys for almost 8 years now. She's 28, he's 30. They're both financially stable and it's unlikely that their situation will get any better in the future. He said he wanted to wait until 30 to marry/have kids. He's 30 now and still finds excuses to delay it... Also, he publicly humiliates/insults my friend and uses "it's just a joke" as an excuse. For example, she posts a picture on fb and he leaves a comment "jokingly" making fun of her appearance. I personally think it's awful behavior but my friend tolerates it. She slowly starts becoming resentful of him for making her wait so long though. Even if they do get married, I can't see them lasting long.

Example 2: She was 25, he was 29 when they met. It was obvious from the start that she was into him more than he was into her. He made her wait over 8 years, using every excuse imaginable to delay it. She had to practically beg him to commit. Finally they had a kid when she was 34. Guess what , they're divorcing now and I'm not surprised.

My point is that if a man is really into you he will try to lock you down pretty quickly. Waiting is usually a waste of your time.


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[–]TheBunk_TB -4 points-3 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

Pop smoke

[–]ghostlymeanders 0 points1 point [recovered] (4 children) | Copy Link

I cannot figure out a way to communicate the fact that I want to be married because I want it to be his idea. We’ve been together over 4 years now and we are finally getting to be financially settled and comfortable. (Each us lost and gained jobs in this time). I’m just afraid if I ask about it, I will never know if that is what he really wants, but if he surprises me, I will know. It’s not that I have doubts, this subject just cripples me. He does know that I hate weddings and would never have one, and I worry he will think I don’t want to get married, but the line has always been “I support marriage but weddings are a waste of money and time for what amounts to a party”. Anyone have tips?

[–]SeminoleDollxx 1 point2 points  (9 children) | Copy Link

You should just ask sis. "I would love for this awesome relationship to lead to marriage, honey. Is this something you'd want to do in the next year?" You shouldnt keep waiting around for it--Yall have been together almost half a decade.

Also yes you have sent mixed messages by saying you "hate weddings"--its not advised to say that to your man. It will make him apprehensive that you will reject him if he asks because you hate weddings. Even if you say "i support marriage" but still say you hate weddings it would make anyone hesitate to ask you.

We also did a justice of the peace with our close family only and 12 years later were going strong.

[–]ghostlymeanders 0 points1 point [recovered] (2 children) | Copy Link

Thank you for the advice! I am so crippled by my anxiety about the subject!

[–]SeminoleDollxx 1 point2 points  (7 children) | Copy Link

What are you anxious about ? That's something you could journal about to help sort your thoughts. If y'all have been together for 4 years there isn't much to be nervous about. I'm sure y'all will get married in the next year and ride off into he sunset. Your already DOING the long term relationship......

[–]ghostlymeanders 0 points1 point [recovered] (0 children) | Copy Link

My fear is that the second I mention it, he will do it for me and I will have no way of knowing whether it was truly his idea. By avoiding the subject and waiting for him to make the move, only then can I be sure.

[–]womanoftheapocalypse 0 points1 point  (5 children) | Copy Link

But then you’re keeping a part of yourself secret from him. Plus you’re giving him a shit test after four freaking years. Do you think he loves you or not? Do you think he wants to make you happy or not? This sub teaches women to be the first mate, if there’s a change in weather conditions that could impact the ship, we let the captain know so he can decide how to navigate best. Ideally, you’d feel secure enough to ask for what you want and you’d trust your intuition to tell you if anything is “off” about his response. If security in yourself and your relationship isn’t there, you’ve got deeper problems than not being proposed to yet. Which I don’t mean to sound aggressive about, feeling secure is a journey for many people including myself.

[–][deleted]  (4 children) | Copy Link

[permanently deleted]

[–]womanoftheapocalypse 0 points1 point  (3 children) | Copy Link

There’s no bigger issue, but you freeze up over it and can’t talk about it? So you keep it from him and hope he gets the hints you aren’t giving? I’m not saying your relationship is doomed, you two sound like you’re building a life together and that’s wonderful. But I also think that stewing over no proposal when you’ve told him on multiple occasions you don’t like marriages is backasswards and worth looking deeper at. Possibly with a therapist or trusted friend.

[–]ghostlymeanders 0 points1 point  (2 children) | Copy Link

You’re right, I should talk to my therapist about it. I wonder if it’s a mental block triggered by my parents divorce. They divorced after 30 years when I was in my mid twenties and I lost my family and my home (not to get too into it but my mother treated me horribly and abandoned my poor father and I had to cut her out of my life). At the time it caused a lot of depression and a loss of stability.

[–]womanoftheapocalypse 1 point2 points  (1 child) | Copy Link

I’m sorry that happened to you, I experienced something similar when my parents divorced. It takes a lot of courage to explore the impacts of adversity, this internet stranger is rooting for you!

[–]EstablishmentDry1988 0 points1 point  (1 child) | Copy Link

What are folks thoughts on a man wanting to be more financially established? He’s got a job now and is currently in school for a trade to start his own business.

I’m 24 and he’s 28. We have been together for 2 years, lived together for 1. We’ve talked about marriage and we both want more stability, especially since we don’t want to settle down/buy our first home in the state we live in.

Any advice or thoughts? I have been having this gut feeling that maybe he isn’t the one because I see on the web and in other media men being so head over heels for their lady. He loves me and he’s supportive, but I always feel anxiety that I’m a placeholder. Idk if it’s a gut feeling or insecurity anxieties.

[–]womanoftheapocalypse 1 point2 points  (0 children) | Copy Link

If you’re talked about marriage and you both concluded you want more stability before it… what’s the problem? It sounds like you agreed you want more stability, but secretly resent that you’re not married yet despite not having that level of stability. If you agreed to wanting stability first, I’d bet he has no clue it bothers you to not be married yet. It could be an opportunity to get vulnerable with him. It could also be an opportunity to do some internal work about how media is influencing you, whether it’s helping you or not, and what you want to do about it.

You can kill a man, but you can't kill an idea.

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