Dear Rosie & Sherry,
I've been dating a great guy for three months, and things are really going well. We see each other at least once a week (It's been hard to see each other more often because we both work and are finishing our master's degrees) and speak on the phone two or three times a week. We have been developing a wonderful relationship and are really optimistic about it.
The thing is that at this point Marty is more serious about this relationship than I am. Last night, on our date, he basically professed his love to me and said that I'm the girl of his dreams. He also spoke about a guidebook to marriage and asked if I'd like to read it with him. I’m not ready for this!
I know I should simply tell Marty that while I see this going in a positive direction, I need more time to get there myself. But because we talk on the phone more often than we see each other in person, I usually find myself at a loss. I don't feel comfortable telling him this over the phone, or having other serious conversations with him on the phone, because there is so much room for misunderstandings to occur.
Meanwhile, he has no idea that I need him to slow down. How do you suggest that I communicate this?
Miriam
Dear Miriam,
We're glad you wrote to us, because every few weeks we receive a call or letter describing a situation similar to yours – a couple is dating, things are going well, and the budding relationship seems to have a lot of promise. One of the daters – usually the man – makes it clear that he's pretty certain this is "It," that's he's found "The One." But the woman isn't yet at that point.
Considering the fact that each of us is unique, it makes sense that two people who are dating would develop feelings for each other and a sense of "rightness" about their relationship according to different timetables. But even though our brain tells us one thing, the emotions we feel can sometimes override our common sense. That's what can happen when a man comes to the realization that the woman he's been seeing is right for him. He usually wants things to move forward toward marriage as quickly as possible, and he assumes that the object of his affection feels exactly the same way at the same point in time. He may not be able to conceive of her processing their dating experience differently, and that while she's likely to reach the same conclusion as he has, she'll do so at a different pace.
Women can have different reactions to this situation. Some become anxious, worrying that there's something wrong with them (or the relationship) because the man is more "into" the courtship than they are. If the man starts to push toward marriage before she’s ready (asking you to read a book about marriage is considered pushing!), the woman can feel very uncomfortable. She may express feelings of guilt, erroneously believing that she is supposed to feel the same things at the same time. Even when reassured that what she’s experiencing is normal, some women wonder, "Well, what if I never feel the same way as him?" Our reply is that this may turn out to be the case, but this is the very reason people date in the first place – to see if they can develop a relationship that leads to marriage.
The key here is for you to express your sentiments in a way that this man continues to feel good about your relationship, but is able to be patient and let it develop along its natural course.
We suggest that you tell Marty something like this:
"I enjoy our time together and I think we are building a great relationship. Things are going very well, and I'm optimistic about the direction in which our dating is going. It seems to me that you've gotten to the point that you feel we're right for each other. I'm glad you feel this way, but I need a little more time to get to that point myself. Men and women are different about this.
"I'd like us to keep dating and enjoying our time together. While we're doing that, I don't want to read books about marriage or analyze what's happening to us. I think these things will just make me anxious. I hope you can be patient with me and be able to let our dating take its course."
Most men respond positively to this type of request. However, if Marty has any concerns, you can encourage him to speak to a dating mentor, who'll be able to help him understand how this is normal, and that the best thing he can do for the health of the relationship is to honor your request.
Surely the way he responds to your needs will tell you something about the kind of husband you can expect him to be!
Finally, your instinct to wait until you and Marty are together to talk to him about this is right on the mark. You see each other often enough to save a serious discussion for the time you're together.
Rosie & Sherry
MIRIAM RESPONDS:
Hi Rosie & Sherry,
I just saw my letter on Aish.com. It looks great! Thank you so much for the great advice, it worked perfectly! Marty totally understood and agreed to slow down.
And... you will be pleased to know, that Marty and I just got engaged! In part thanks to you! :)
May you continue to keep giving the awesome advice!
Thank you,
Miriam
(11) Anonymous, February 14, 2011 2:31 AM
advice
to #10 - evidently the advice was on target, as evidenced by the writer's follow up letter
(10) michaltastik.com, February 11, 2011 1:02 PM
finishing a master's degree
I don't like Sherry and Rose's advice (as usual). I find it too "after school special" or clinical and nicey nice not realistic. Seriously, just tell him you can't think about anything until you finish your master's. I know I'm that way with my Bachelor's that I finish at the end of this semester. At that pont, you'll be just working, not work/schooling it.
(9) tdr, February 9, 2011 8:25 PM
No red flags here
I agree with #8. I wanted to put in my 2 cents since Miriam might start to get very anxious reading these comments. Sherry and Rosie are right on. His feelings are not a red flag for you nor should your feelings be a red flag for him. But you must communicate with him *your* feelings ASAP. I am in the process of ending my 15 year marriage and one of the things I contributed to the end was a reticence to express any negative things I was feeling or thinking. See this more as an opportunity to build intimacy and don't be afraid to express yourself.
(8) Anonymous, February 9, 2011 10:11 AM
3 months is not that long!!!
To some of the commentors below who are lambasting this poor girt: If they had been dating for a year I would agree with all the comments, but 3 months is not a long time! For some couples it may be enough, but for many couples it is too short, especially when they only see each other once a week and have a lot of other pressures on their time. I don't believe a couple should rush into an engagement before they are both sure of it, and if she needs a little longer to feel sure then she must take that time! However I also don't believe that dating should drag out for years. Within 6 to 9 months absolute maximum you should know if the person is right for you.
(7) SusanE, February 8, 2011 10:46 PM
I think Miriams' first paragraph is a Fabrication of Her Imagination.
Their relationship is not going well and it is certainly not optimistic. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If the woman was honest and ethical with Marty she would set a date for the marriage even if it is 2 years in the future. That's what respect and caring is about. It's having that togetherness where you know you can be sure of each other. He deserves that. Marty on the other hand might be ready for that commitment of marriage now and might be forcing the issue to learn if she is like minded. This is the first step in his leaving her. If she doesn't want to 'read the book' and set a future date to be together then it's time for him to go. Giving Miriam those options, he is actually giving her an ultimatum. ~~~~~~~~ She said he 'basically' professed his love for her, last night on a date. Evidently he didn't say "I Love You" because she didn't respond, and is now complaining about communicating over the phone about how she doesn't like him enough to make plans.. I think this woman needs an attitude adjustment. .
(6) , February 8, 2011 8:17 PM
when do you know?
In my humble opinion, although a person surely has to be comfortable with the decision to marry the person they're dating, it's important to define where that line is. I don't think anyone really knows for sure, that's just illusion. At some point, when all the information about the other person is on the table, and there's nothing more to learn through the dating process, a person has to make a decision. We're often fooled into believe that wanting to marry someone is based on how amazing we feel, or how in deeply we fall in love with them. On the contrary, I think Torah focuses more on potential than what's there right now. With potential, everything builds. In dating, intellect should lead the way, not the heart.
(5) Anonymous, February 8, 2011 3:49 PM
Object: Matrimony
The most important thing you can do is give Marty some sort of timetable. If you can't get there in two more months, cut the poor man free! He is Jewish - our objectives are not to date for hte fun of it. A physically intimate relationship is not permitted to an observant Jew with anyone but their spouse. If his object is matrimony and yours is not, you need to tell him or anyone else you date that important information up front. If your object is matrimony but you just aren't sure he's "the one", if you can't get your act together within five months to at least decide whether he's right for you, you have no right to string him along. Let him get over your loss, and begin the legwork and due diligence for the correct potential soulmate, before his clock runs out too. There is a realm of reasonability for the decision timetable, but five months is over the top. To Marty, three months may seem over the top, but if you want to keep him, at least give him some reassurance that this limbo (and to him - torture) is not going to last forever, and that one way or another, sometime soon, you will either meet him where his mind is at, or gently but abruptly proceed in different directions to your ultimte goals. Good luck to you both.
(4) Rachel, February 8, 2011 3:36 PM
I guess the grass is always greener! You're very lucky to have found one of the men who actually want marriage! Most of us women are wading through a sea of men who leave when things get serious. There are so many Jewish single 40 men here it's ridiculous.
(3) Mark, February 8, 2011 3:11 PM
Consider your own fear
Quite honestly I think that three months is enough time to decide if somebody is appropriate for marriage. What more do you need to know about him? Many people, both men and women, fear commitment - perhaps your trepeditation is more internal than specific to this man. If that's the case, and he's a great guy, you'll regret letting him slip through the cracks. Maybe consider a compromise - wait until the two of you finish your master's degree before engaging on this topic again - but make a firm commitment to address it at that time.
(2) Haym, February 8, 2011 2:46 PM
Where has the biological clock disappeared?
Weren't women the ones supposed to be pushy because they feel time is running away? Probably our friend Miriam is very young and not at that stage yet. But generally speaking I see, and meet, women in their 30s who want to "go slow", "take time", "have a long relationship in order to get to know each other toroughly".... That's all fine, but what if it takes three years only to say no? Do it that way and you will have to say yes to first one you asks you if you want to get married while still able to conceive. Where is sense in this behaviour? Again: it's a general thought -- not about Miriam in particular.
(1) jake, February 6, 2011 4:35 PM
as a guy I would disagree on the approach/wording
I would be surprised if Marty felt the way he did and did the things he did if he didnt believe that was the direction the relationship was going in. Its always possible the people mis-read/interpret actions or words wrong, so its important for Miriam to review her actions and words to see if she has said or did anything that may lead him to believe she was ready/or waiting for Marty to do this. Also, its possible that others see the relationship different and will want to hurry things up. In this case, if Marty is moving too quickly I do agree that you should say something, but I dont thing the above wording will work. Everything is fine until "I'm glad you feel this way.."..after that its all downhill. The wording provide maybe a good guide but I would not recommend telling a guy "Men and women are different about this"..it comes off as condescending...I would focus on saying (in person) while remaning positive, "hey, in regards to our conversation the other day, I just wanted to let you know that I am committed to the great relationship that we have right now, but I am not ready to be talking about the the "m" word. just yet. I hope thats o.k. " Do not say "let our dating take its course"..because that sounds like you maybe stringing him along and will add doubt to your relationship. Either way, its refreshing to see a letter finally that displays that yes- not all guys drag their feet. Good luck!