I'm in my early/mid 30s and I'm a couple of years older. We've been together a few years, we rent together, but there's zero sign of marriage and children. I discussed it with him a year ago, the answer was not ready yet. I respected that and left it another 6 months. 6 months later, the answer was the same.
In my head I've given it another 6 months which will take us to early next year. This also coincidences with our tenancy ending.
Now in the 4th month and I feel like I'm in limbo.
I know my partner loves me but my fertility won't last forever.
Sadly I know he's not ready to be a husband and father, I know it deep down. He's very into going out, which there's nothing wrong with, but I can just tell. Goes out watching football a lot.
He's never, ever mentioned marriage or children without being prompted. I mean, never said anything like 'I'd love to marry you one day." He said he'd like children eventually but it's all very vague.
I've met somebody else at work who I like, he's slightly older and very sweet. I'm keeping a firm distance from this other man because it's likely clouding my judgement. I am not that person and never have been, I only speak to him if I absolutely have to, however this is making me feel really guilty even though I know these things are natural.
I can't pretend for 2 more months. I'm scared if he says no again. I love him and don't want to walk away, it's hard after so many years. I'll have to pay 2 rents at once if I leave earlier, can't break our tenancy earlier. It's not ideal but I could probably just afford it for a couple of months.
I feel like I'm living a lie. Is he magically going to change in the next couple of months and give me a concrete answer?