I want to get married … but my boyfriend is not ready

It can hurt when you’re excited about marriage and your boyfriend isn’t there yet. Instead of seeing it as rejection, ask him what is making him hesitate. His reasons may have more to do with timing than with his feelings for you.

Share your hopes and listen to his concerns. A healthy relationship allows both people to talk honestly about big life decisions without feeling pressured.

If you’ve been waiting for a long time and he still can’t give you a clear idea of what he wants, think about whether your future goals match. Both of you deserve a relationship where you’re moving toward the same destination.