My Boyfriend Bought The Ring But Doesn’t Want To Get Married

From Essence 

Hi. I’ve been with my boyfriend for five years. We own a home and we both have a child from other relationships. I was married before and I’ve been divorced for many years now. We are not young. He is 44, and I will be 40 soon. We have a very strong relationship and we are amazing partners. Two year ago, we picked out rings and envisioned our dream wedding day. Since then, we still talk about it and a year ago he purchased the ring, but still there hasn’t been a proposal. Recently, all my dreams of marrying the perfect man were shattered when he told me, “I don’t have the need to ever be married.” What!? He is my world. I love him unconditionally, but I feel like he holds my future and my fate in his hands. It’s not fair and I feel lost. I can’t imagine life without him but marriage is important to me, I can’t deny that.

Why give my false hope for over two years if that’s how he felt? I’m lost. I’m angry. I don’t know what to do. Please, help!

Thanks,

Emotionally Crushed and Scared

Read Dr. Sherry’s response at Essence.com