You’ve been in a relationship for a year and a half. He’s the right man, it’s the right time, and of course you’re the right girl. But there's one problem. He hasn’t asked you to marry him. Many women make the mistake of waiting so long for their man to pop the question that the time they've invested in a relationship becomes the main factor keeping them waiting for a ring. Many women can spare themselves this heartache by being upfront with themselves about what they want and by being honest with partners from the beginning about their expectations.
I was dating the Hoppster for less than six months when he asked me to marry him. I'm one of the lucky few who met a man who was even more eager to get married than me. However, before I met my fiance, I was also in a relationship for eight years, so I know what it means to be stuck waiting around for a man to decide that he is ready to commit to you.
This article appears in May 12-18, 2011.