Almost jumped the gun?

[Boundary Layer]

First and foremost - that awkwardness happens after stuff like that. Kinda like when you want to kiss a girl, pause to consider it, then decide not to. I think most every guy knows that awkwardness.

...and how...

Just my key advice is, to keep from ending up where I currently am, is always make sure how you are around her is how you really are. In other words, make sure you act how you want, not how she wants.

Whether relevant to the current topic or not, this is great information. I've got a friend in a similar situation to Azuremen's (though, not separating for the same reasons). Last time I talked with my friend about it, he said it was just too much work living up to the expectations she had of him - and he's a great guy, and successful for someone in their early 20's, not some burnout flipping burgers. I knew he'd eventually come to his senses. From meeting her, this girl seemed like an absolute chore to be around, requiring non-stop attention and entertainment.

I think the key with them is that they only dated for a little over a year before they got engaged. They were both still being a little insincere with each other and not revealing all their little flaws - he said they never found a great comfort zone with each other, the kind where you can enjoy each other's company without having to spend a night out on the town.

...that's all neither here nor there though.
The point is the same as what most other people have posted here. That the decision to propose should not be a spurt of the moment thing that you just rush into because you're on an emotional high. As long as you're both enjoying your time together now and if you aren't fully prepared to go the next step for any reason, then I don't see any harm in waiting until a better time arrives and continuing to enjoy each other in the meantime.

At least, that's how I've been approaching things.

 

[McLaren]

The bad answer is what lets you know if the relationship is what you want If you can handle a "bad" answer and work through it.

Hmm. I guess this is why I've only been in 1 good relationship.

The buying her stuff is not what I am talking about. Its the how you react to a situation, etc. Reason why I mentioned that is that is what is causing the divorce. I thought I was more religious than I really am, and the reason I thought I was is because it is what she wants. Tricked myself good there, and now I am paying for it. The hard part is doing the introspection required to analyze yourself.

Oh, my bad. I would think I do alright around her. I mean, I listen to everything she says, and my mind isn't constantly on sex like some, but I take it that's not what you mean either. This is something I'll have to look more closely at.

In regard to the awkwardness, talk to her about it is what I would do. Eventually its going to to come up, better it be on your terms than doing a bad day or an argument of sorts. And if you are considering marrying someone, you better damn well be able to talk about awkward stuff.

I thought that's what you meant. I'll easily talk to her about this, but I just have to think of how to bring it up.

But at the same time, everything is unique to everyone. So, you'll have to figure some of it out yourself Rick, thats half the fun of life

Doesn't seem like much fun, though.

...that's all neither here nor there though.
The point is the same as what most other people have posted here. That the decision to propose should not be a spurt of the moment thing that you just rush into because you're on an emotional high. As long as you're both enjoying your time together now and if you aren't fully prepared to go the next step for any reason, then I don't see any harm in waiting until a better time arrives and continuing to enjoy each other in the meantime.

At least, that's how I've been approaching things.

And that's how I'll be approaching it or attempting. I appreciate the advice though.