Real Life Advice Needed, Please...
I need your collective common sense dating advice on a situation I am in...
First, I will say that I am marriage-minded. I'm not interested in dating just for the hell of it. I would like to have a 'purpose' for dating.
I am dating this man whom I've known for 8 years. Long story short, we met then... he came on too strong and although I liked him a lot, I cut him out of my life because I wasn't ready for that type of relationship. We kept in touch through e-mail over the years... you probably know the story.
Well fast forward to last November when we started talking again (this time much more seriously. He is 31, should be more mature...) We were 'talking' until May, when we decided to meet again. This man lives in the VA/MD/DC area and I am in Texas. May came around and we had a great time. We ended up seeing each other twice (he came to Houston, I went to DC for Memorial Day). Good times. I work in DC once a month also so the possibility of us seeing one another more often was good.
We went out in June up there and he showed me a great time. In July I went for work (1 week ago) and again, I had a great time. When I am with him, I am happy. The problem comes in because he has (and has always had) a HUGE network/group of friends (none of whom I've met yet-- it's been only 2 months). He goes out (partying, lounges, birthdays, etc.) about 3-4 times a week. He is single and I am single and I realize that we are just 'DATING' (and long distance at that). But I complain because at almost 32, I thought all of the going out would be somewhat out of his system. He claims that he is marriage-minded; wants kids soon, etc. But yet when I bring this up, all conversation halts.
He has said things like 'It would be different if you moved up here.' And I'm DEAD SET on NOT living together. I really don't think anything would change. I guess I prefer more of a homebody (at lease SOMETIMES) but his role as the 'court jester / class clown' is too much. I would say he has about 100 close friends.
I am kind of new to dating and I idealize a lot so I need some objective opinions. This is probably the most intimate relationship I have had and although I would like it to work out... this bothers me to no end. This man HAS to be on SOMEONE'S list to get into several parties every week. So I assume what (or who) are you looking for? Did I mention that at first he didn't want to 'Put a title' on the relationship?
To me he is a classic case of 'Ivy-league educated brother with a huge ego in a region where women outnumber men.' Will he ever grow up??? His complaint is that I constantly change my mind about pursuing a relationship with him. This is because when I visit him, things are peachy but when I leave, and he and his 500 friends start partying again, I start to get frustrated and question whether or not he is serious about a relationship. I really believe if left to his own devices, he would have this pseudo, title-less relationship just drift on without a thought. Is he afraid of commitment? What?!
In 2 months time, I have also had to drop hints about: opening the car door, flowers, just basic romantic things I would expect a 31 yr. old guy to know. We have exchanged 'I love yous' and right now we aren't talking because I am tired of his actions not matching his promises. I deserve so much more but on the same token, if I am being childish, then I'm willing to grow/change to see positive results.
I have been upfront with him and told him 'I want to be engaged and married by X' erplexed He practically passed out from the 'pressure.' Also, we are of different faiths... I do not want to waste time.
Thoughts? Please chime in!
I need your collective common sense dating advice on a situation I am in...
First, I will say that I am marriage-minded. I'm not interested in dating just for the hell of it. I would like to have a 'purpose' for dating.
I am dating this man whom I've known for 8 years. Long story short, we met then... he came on too strong and although I liked him a lot, I cut him out of my life because I wasn't ready for that type of relationship. We kept in touch through e-mail over the years... you probably know the story.
Well fast forward to last November when we started talking again (this time much more seriously. He is 31, should be more mature...) We were 'talking' until May, when we decided to meet again. This man lives in the VA/MD/DC area and I am in Texas. May came around and we had a great time. We ended up seeing each other twice (he came to Houston, I went to DC for Memorial Day). Good times. I work in DC once a month also so the possibility of us seeing one another more often was good.
We went out in June up there and he showed me a great time. In July I went for work (1 week ago) and again, I had a great time. When I am with him, I am happy. The problem comes in because he has (and has always had) a HUGE network/group of friends (none of whom I've met yet-- it's been only 2 months). He goes out (partying, lounges, birthdays, etc.) about 3-4 times a week. He is single and I am single and I realize that we are just 'DATING' (and long distance at that). But I complain because at almost 32, I thought all of the going out would be somewhat out of his system. He claims that he is marriage-minded; wants kids soon, etc. But yet when I bring this up, all conversation halts.
He has said things like 'It would be different if you moved up here.' And I'm DEAD SET on NOT living together. I really don't think anything would change. I guess I prefer more of a homebody (at lease SOMETIMES) but his role as the 'court jester / class clown' is too much. I would say he has about 100 close friends.
I am kind of new to dating and I idealize a lot so I need some objective opinions. This is probably the most intimate relationship I have had and although I would like it to work out... this bothers me to no end. This man HAS to be on SOMEONE'S list to get into several parties every week. So I assume what (or who) are you looking for? Did I mention that at first he didn't want to 'Put a title' on the relationship?
To me he is a classic case of 'Ivy-league educated brother with a huge ego in a region where women outnumber men.' Will he ever grow up??? His complaint is that I constantly change my mind about pursuing a relationship with him. This is because when I visit him, things are peachy but when I leave, and he and his 500 friends start partying again, I start to get frustrated and question whether or not he is serious about a relationship. I really believe if left to his own devices, he would have this pseudo, title-less relationship just drift on without a thought. Is he afraid of commitment? What?!
In 2 months time, I have also had to drop hints about: opening the car door, flowers, just basic romantic things I would expect a 31 yr. old guy to know. We have exchanged 'I love yous' and right now we aren't talking because I am tired of his actions not matching his promises. I deserve so much more but on the same token, if I am being childish, then I'm willing to grow/change to see positive results.
I have been upfront with him and told him 'I want to be engaged and married by X' erplexed He practically passed out from the 'pressure.' Also, we are of different faiths... I do not want to waste time.
Thoughts? Please chime in!
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