I’ll dare to chime in a man. I was marred young and I married bad, had a baby boy, her family were grifters and insurance fraud experts and Evangelical’s. I should looked and thought harder about her and them before getting engaged and married. Short story, we divorced within 3 years, she emotionally abused my child for 8 years until he was suicidal and then came to live with me. My son is gay and that and evangelical castigation made him a wreck. My son asked me to never get married again (his mom did and it was not great for him, I agreed) In between I had 2 live in commuted relationships before my son live with me. I was totally upfront to each that although I loved them, I was not getting married again until my son was in college at least and I did not want any more kids YET. Both accepted the compact. We lived very much a committed and loving relationships ups/downs all arounds. However, in my experience regardless of what a woman says (not all) mine all about 2-4 years in all stated taking marriage. Of course we had discussed it, neither of us was unhappy but beneath the surface at some point a woman either wants to move forward. It may not be apparent right away, but a change occurs as I am sure it does with me. It’s bitterness (way won’t this so and so marry me) I do all the things a wife would do, they wanted for nothing but the golden ticket was the ring. I never got that far and the two log term ladies and I split very amicably and in a loving way. I am still in contact about birthday time with each a card and maybe a phone call. Both are married and happy. I talk on the phone to the husbands also. The thirds long term relationships was for 6 years. She was quite a bit younger than me (me late 30’s - early forties) At the outset she was my mid life criss girl. She was sweet, kind hearted, smart and drip dead gorgeous. We lived together two years then my Son came to live with me. In fairness a lot of time needed to be spent on therapy, love, time, eduction 4 schools, reprogramming and eliminating his self loathing. Eventually I took him to his favorite restaurant only he and I. And told him, I think he is gay and it’s ok. I loved him if he had 6 arms out his head. He demurred, as proof pointed to the only girl picture in his room and said I like Heidi Klum, we both laughed. He didn’t come out to be that night but within a month he was getting better. All of this took a toll on my beach girl. She felt neglected, I told her he had 5 years until college and that was my time line. She readily accepted and we got engaged and the ring. That helped boy did it help, however a new dynamic was in play who did I love more? In both of there heads. It became a war of attrition between them. And I was miserable miserable and they were both unhappy. So, me and my girl decided it would be a good break to go home for the summer, catch up with family (they had spent many holiday with us and we then as well as my family) but he writing was on the wall. I actually never expected her to come back and if I am honest, I really didn’t want her too. I loved her but was willing to let her go and encouraged her to stay a few more months and then it was over. I was not happy, very sad a big part of my life was gone but she was better severed finding a mate to marry and children with and who was more her generation than mine. She is happy married and has a 10 year old boy now. Anyway ladies from a man who was raised by a single woman and sister. Who loves woman of all kinds and many platonically. I have been there. Many issues interrupt our best intentions. My happiest years were in longer term committed relationships, although they didn’t work out to marriage. Each has incredible value for me and I remember only the good. If my life and child situation had been different. Maybe this ending would be also. As it is everyone is happy. My son (the most important project of my life) is a healthy loving, strong, empathetic professional man now. He is my best friend and I his. We speak every day for al lest a few minutes and hours some times. I was not raised in a age of open and out gay men and woman But having a gay son was not a surprise. I had an inkling when he was 5 by the time he was 7 I called his crazy mother and tried to prepare her. She denies to acknowledge his long term 10 year partner today and they have no relationship. So for all the men who simply want to milk the cow for free. I get it, it’s comfortable. Just make sure there is a true and lasting agreement and be ready to modify the agreement within 2-4 years. Also, it’s not just men anymore, I have a few lady friends who truly prefer nice company, intelligent conversation, someone who cares for them and visa versa. Some are a bit older their kids are grown, they have interests and careers and occasionally they like someone to be with on a date, concert, dinner, save them from a company party so they don’t go stag or just a nice night in. No judgment either way. Whatever works for the pair and their dynamic. Don’t get bitter it he won’t commit, state your case and if it’s not working leave, but leave as Friends and Allies. One last thought, may you all find loving and compatible companions that value your as a person, a woman and a goddess. You all are!