I agree that marriage isn't right for everyone. I was with a guy for over 3 years, we thought it 'was time' and getting engaged ruined us. I think if we wouldn't have jumped the gun we would have been fine. You never know how you will react to those stressed until the time comes and maybe he is afraid of going from this happy relationship to a 'bridezilla'.

Question.... have you flat out asked him? If he hasn't brought it up, maybe you should. Maybe he thinks YOURE the one that okay with staying bf/gf forever. Maybe he doesn't want to pressure you. Imagine being him for a second......wouldnt you be a little nervous asking this woman you love to marry you for a potential no?! I know I would. Not to mention the divorce rate in the US is like 50%.

The simple act of changing from ms. to mrs. can do a lot to a relationship. I got a little upset when my mom asked if she wanted me to have a sign up that said "congrats jess and dave" when we both graduated. I mean...I love the guy but hell no! I'm certainly not ready to get married because I love being independent and knowing that I don't rely on anyone. In fact, I'm the bread winner of this relationship. It's really hard for me to imagine being married and still having the level of independence I have now and I don't want to give that up. My bf is 6 yrs older than me and has his masters; wants to settle down and have kids. I still have another 5-7 years of school left before I'm done.

I would flat out ask him. Or, if you don't want to be that straight forward.....make him watch a show like "say yes to the dress" or a wedding show and comment on it or ask his opinion on the dresses or the weddings. See if he gets freaked out. I have done that before. During Bridezillas the maid of honor was going nuts and I said "I think I would ask my niece to be my maid of honor because I know she wouldn't do crap like this" and he just nodded and agreed with me and started talking about who he would have be his best man. Now if he said something like "why the hell are you even thinking about that?!" then I would stop haha.

Whatever happens I hope you guys are happy together. If the time is right you'll know it. And who knows....he could have a ring sitting in his dresser drawer right now and just hasn't found the right moment.