Why does he keep making excuses to put off marriage?

Anonymous
My boyfriend and I have been together for over 4 years and are very serious. We get along great and make a great team. I'm 22, he is 29. We have discussed the topic of marriage at length many times and both of us usually end up in tears or angry. I've heard every excuse possible. The original plan was to wait til I finished college, but as my academic career became extended, I don't want to wait anymore. I've ehard excuses like: "the economy is in horrible shape and who knows if we'll even have jobs", and "your sister's marriage failed, so I'm spooked and don't want to rush into it", and "i don't have the money for a ring" and "i just want to make the perfect proposal and wedding day, let me give that to you when I'm financially able". The thing is I don't even care about an engagement ring, he gave me a diamond a year into the relationship and that's good enough for me. I don't want a big wedding. I'm fine with even going to the courthouse. it doesn't matter I'll take it however I can get it. He convinced me to get a place with him about a month ago insisting that it was a step toward marriage and a "trial period". He thinks that if we get married I will get fat and/or turn into a mega- biatch and try to run his life. As it is right now he does as he pleases within reason. I've tried and tried to breach the marriage subject and come to a compromise, but seem to get nowhere. Marriage is extreemly important to me on both a moral and social level, and am not willing to just "shack up" together for the rest of my life and don't want to be one of those girls that shows up with an ultimatum. will he ever propose and tie the knot? will he ever give in or is it in my best interests to move on?
Why does he keep making excuses to put off marriage?
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