Search Results: i think my boyfriend is married

I have been dating my boyfriend for almost 5 years, we went through a lot and marriage talk is on the table (we are early 30s). He has a female friend that he has known for many years, they don’t see each other often but I wonder if I’m paranoid. She is married with kids now but has always been “the cool girl who is accomplished”. He tried to move 3 times to her city (she has moved over the years for better career/family etc), convincing me it is a better option too (and they are in some ways). I felt he is comparing me to her. During one group dinner with friends, we talked about ring and he grabbed her hand to look at her ring, then told me how great of a pick it is. To add the cherry on top of everything, the waiter thought she was his wife when he came take our order (there were a table full of people and can be hard to tell). Since she is married I don’t think they are ever possible but it still makes me paranoid. She is cute but I think I’m better looking objectively, so I also don’t want to come off pathetic and jealous for no reason. Does he like her and should I address it?

My boyfriend and I are planning on getting married soon, we started discussing our expectations on how long the engagement period should last. I personally think at least a year would give us enough time to thoroughly (and more cheaply) plan out the wedding + we’d have time to enjoy calling each other fiancée lol. But my boyfriend prefers to get married (at least in the court house) within a couple of months after officially getting engaged and throw the wedding reception/party later on. What do you think is the best length of an engagement?

(Additional info: Where we live, the average length of an engagement is usually 3-6 months)