Vero nailed it on the head with “stalling mechanism.” That is exactly what that is. If I were you I would take it off and only wear it on occasion. You are not engaged. Wearing it at all times will make him feel like hes already got you and doesn’t need to take further action. If you feel it is time then you need to have a mature conversation with him about where he sees the relationship going. In the future don’t take him ring shopping for yourself unless he asks, that’s pressuring.

I have dated my bf for 8 years, also no kids. I want to be engaged to him but I don’t want to force him into it. It gets a little embarrassing saying you’re bf/gf after so long and it’s not easy watching all your younger classmates and friends get married after only dating a year or two. The nice thing is though, that since I am older I can save my own money, make more informed decisions, and have fun pinteresting ideas until he is finally ready, which he says will be in the next few years so I am not too worried. If your bf is avoiding talking about getting married like the plague then that may be a bigger problem. Otherwise like the article says, be happy and have fun together so he WANTS to marry you.

You are completely and understandably distraught. It never feels good to lose someone you love or feel rejected. The hard truth is though, that you can’t make someone love you. If you did manage to lure him back into the relationship it would break again sooner or later because his heart is not into it. You need ice cream, good crys, watch Bridget Jones diary, and in two months you will be OVER him because I am also in the tech industry and there is an array of single sweethearts dying to meet the new woman in the office.

how do you mean talk about a future in which you are not married? can i have an example so i know how?