How do I know if my boyfriend of two years is sending me hints about marriage? He keeps making these comments about commitment and settling down and I don’t know if he is trying to gauge my reaction to see if he should propose. I don’t want to say anything because it may feel like I’m rushing him, and I also don’t know where things stand in our relationship because I haven’t thought of a long-term commitment yet. I am open to a discussion but don’t want to initiate anything on that front either because it may frighten him if I am misunderstanding what he’s saying. It’s just a confusing place to be in and I don’t know what to say or do around him when he makes those comments. How do I proceed?

This is someone you have been in a relationship with for two years. It’s okay to not think about a long-term commitment, but the hesitation about initiating a discussion is troubling because it points to issues with communication. Neither of you is under any obligation to marry or even get engaged until you want to. You are both obligated to be honest about your feelings and expectations though, because that alone will help this relationship evolve in any way. If that evolution leads you to the conclusion that a long-term commitment is not an option, that is good too. If you have something on your mind, say it, because that is the easiest way to avoid a misunderstanding. Not saying anything while waiting for him to speak only makes this confusion unavoidable.