Hi!
So I've been with my boyfriend for almost 2 1/2yrs and about 5 months ago I wanted to talk about the future and at that time he said he needed time to think and would get back to me. Well he never did and we continued as normal for about 5 months but deep down it was eating me alive not knowing what he was thinking because I could only see my life with him and wanted to start moving forward with the future...moving in together, engaged.(we're older- I'm 33 and he's 36) so last week I brought it up again and once again he said he didnt know what he wanted from the future but he does love me and care about me deeply. For whatever reason he thought that his answer was good enough for me and assumed we would continue as usual. But I can't continue if he doesnt see himself marrying me and having children because those are things I want. I understand he is pursuing one of his dreams of opening his own brewery with his friend in addition to working full time and has alot on his plate. But I can't continue supporting him with his dream if he doesnt share the same ideas for the future. So I told him we needed to take a break so he could think about what he wants because I can't continue this way. I love him but need to love myself more. He was shocked by my response and left and then texted me he understood my feelings and position even if he didnt like it. So this all happened 2 weeks ago. This has been one of the hardest weeks for me.

1 week ago he asked to talk so we met & he said he missed me & does want a future together & wants to live together. But because of the brewery(new business venture) he is uncertain of the timeline for marriage & children. He said I might as well get a sperm donor because that's what he would be in the next few yrs between opening the business & working full time. I see his point of view but I am still so torn. I am 34 next month & not sure how long I am willing to wait to have children. It was a good talk & great to see him. I have some peace in my heart but now it is up to me to decide if what he can give me right now is enough.

So we took a few days apart but then I asked to talk because I needed clarification on some things because I was so caught off guard by this conversation and didnt ask much. So he came over and we had dinner thursday night and caught up and talked again. It was wonderful seeing him and it felt like weeks not 4 days. So he said he wants to live together for now and if we are doing well and the brewery does well when it opens (hopefully october/november) then marriage is an option. But he doesnt want to tell me any of these things will happen because of all the uncertainty he has with this buisness venture and newly acquired debt. When I questioned him why he was suddenly uncertain about children he said it is not that he doesnt want children but once again the uncertainty makes him hesitant and he wouldnt want to have a child if he couldnt afford it or be there for him/her. It's not that he doesnt want kids he's just not as passionate about it as me. He says he needs to follow his head not his heart and that has never steered him the wrong way in life. So yes I see what he is saying but It doesnt change what I want in life. So what do I do??

1)Do I stay with him for another 6 months/1year and then reassess based on how we are doing as a couple living together and see how the brewery/working full time in addition affects our relationship? And then break up if things arent working out? And at 34 1/2 or 35 be single again and start over or get pregnant alone?

2) Do I break up with him and move on and possibly never love anyone like I love him/never meet anyone and always have regrets?

3) Do I break up with him and move on and meet a great guy who wants what I want sooner then later?

I am so torn on what to do. I know there is never any guarantees in life but I just dont want to regret my decision and this is a big life changing one. I just know 2 friends who were in a similar situation and 1 moved on with another guy and has kids but regrets not waiting for the guy she truly loved and she always wonders what if. My other friend stayed and things worked out. All situations are alittle different and different personalities and dreams. How do I know what the right thing is?

We havent seen each other since and he has been texting me but I'm not sure what to do should I ask for time apart to sort out my heart from my head???

I dont want to invest more if we wont get married and have children. But I dont want to walk away because are getting hard and I will wonder and regret. I am so torn on what to do. I've talked with friends and I am getting mixed advice. I know at the end of the day it is my decision to make because it is my life. HELP!!