Replies to 'Ready for Marriage?'

I hate to say it so bluntly, but your guy isn't ready for marriage for whatever reasons.  He may never be ready.  A six year relationship is a long one to go without marriage.  He may not want to marry you.  All you can do is decide what you need and then look at whether you're getting it from him or are likely to in the future.  If you aren't getting what you need and you feel you've given him long enough, then it's time to move on and find a man who wants the same thing you want.  Believe me, I married a man who wasn't really ready for marriage and we divorced over it.  We may all want something, but if we're not ready for it emotionally, financially, spiritually, physically, then it does no good to try to gain it otherwise. 

Wow, This sounds like a very familiar story.  My best friend since grade school is in the same situation as you.  As her best friend, I keep telling her to let it go.  If after 6 years of living together and having a little boy together, The guy should really know if she is who he wants to marry.  For her guy, though, he cheats a lot and that is why he won't marry her.  She just forgives him every time, and never kicks him out or breaks up with him or anything.  He is the only guy she has ever been with and she feels obligated to him especially since they have a child together.  The guy had another daughter before him and my friend were together so she feels connected to the little girl too.  I honestly thing that if you are ready for marriage, then you should go for it.  After 6 years of dating the same person and never breaking up, he should know if he wants to be with you or not.  Chances are, he's still unsure, or looking for something else.   I know it is depressing, but somethings in life you should be able to have, and happiness is one of those few things.