How to I get this guy to commit?

Illustration/Uday Mohite

How can I convince a guy I like to take the next step and commit to a relationship with me? We date casually and have a flirtatious thing going, but it doesn't seem like he wants to sit down and talk about his feelings or whether this has a chance of going somewhere. I know he likes me which is why he spends a lot of time with me, but I also know he has commitment issues that make it hard for him to be with one person. I think he feels as if he will lose his freedom and that prevents him from being decisive about us. If he doesn't make up his mind soon, I am tempted to tell him that we shouldn't be dating. Am I being too hasty or putting too much pressure on him?
No, you are standing up for yourself and setting boundaries, which is the right thing to do. If this person has commitment issues, they are his to resolve because he can't have it his way. If you aren't prepared to simply date without a plan, you are doing what is right for you and he has the option of accepting it or stepping aside. Making up your mind and being clear about what is or isn't working for you is the right way to set goals for any kind of relationship. If nothing else, it can be the starting point for what can or cannot happen in the months to come.

My friend is being negative and moody lately, which has caused a rift between us because I can't understand what has gone wrong. I have asked him to tell me what's bothering him, but he doesn't speak and it's becoming hard for me to always cheer him up. What can I do to change this?
Try being more patient. Sometimes, the best thing to do is offer support and empathy. Tell him that you're there for him, and that you're willing to listen whenever he's ready to talk.