I had to..I've experienced it from both ends (smile). I was in a relationship with a man for 14 years. We got married finally, and it lasted a year. I guess the 'joy' of marriage was lived out while we were shaking up. We have a 16-year old son together, and he has yet to keep a job so I can continue to get child support. In addition, I was recently in a 10 year relationship, where the guy made every excuse in the book to not marry me, and we finally ended it. I was not about to let someone take the best years of my life and then decide I'm not good enough for a ring, but I'm good enough to 'play house' with.
Not that marriage means anything will change, because on the flip side most men aren't marriage material, and they just get married for the sake of it. It's not worth it. Because they still 'act' single. I have a friend who was married at 19 to a woman he only dated a year because she ended up pregnant 'unexpectedly' They have been married over 14 years, have 5 kids together, and he is a cheater because 'he never got to live his life as a single man'. So now she's spending her time in the marriage trying to 'make' him the man that she wants him to be. To tell the truth, I'd rather just be single.
So I said all that to say, if he's not willing to commit-then forcing it will only make matters worse. In addition, don't share your life with someone who doesn't think you are worthy enough to marry-especially if that's really what you want. It may be helpful to think about the whole situation, then.
Otherwise, as some would say 'why ruin it if you're happy that way'. Again, to some marriage is just a 'ring'. So it could go both ways. Either way, think about what you want and what you are willing to settle for, okay?
good luck to ya
