Dear Christine,
The woman that I just met 6 weeks ago is possibly the best thing that’s happened to me in a very long time. However, she seems way too concerned about the future. She constantly wants to discuss, Where will we live? When we should move in together? Basically, she talks a lot about what our future will look like together.
I on the other hand am more concerned about really getting to know each other and protecting my heart. She’s ready this early to go all in and I am just a little scared and cautious. Our histories are similar though. We’ve both been hurt and abandoned by those we were closest to in our lives. I want to assure her that I’m excited about where this could go and I’ve tried but it’s never enough and it’s exhausting. Reassuring her is getting in the way with the fun of dating and falling in love. I’m not going anywhere but how can I convince her without actually marrying her, which in no way would guarantee forever based on both of our pasts.
Thanks, Pushed in Pontiac
Dear Pushed,
It sounds like a lot is going very well for such a new relationship. But, it’s also WAY too soon to be talking about marriage to reassure her of your commitment. Neither of you is knows the other well enough to take that step yet! That’s what dating is for!
A healthy relationship will allow each of you the space you need to explore the possibilities of what might become as you get to know each other. Each of you needs to accept where the other one is without pressuring the other to be different. If you think about some habit you’ve tried to change about yourself (flossing daily, losing weight, for example) you know how hard it is to change yourself when you are motivated and see the value of that change. It’s almost impossible to change someone else, particularly if that person doesn’t see any need for change.
So, what that means is that you can’t change her neediness for you to make a life-long commitment after only 6 weeks together, and she can’t change your need to take your time and protect your heart until you are more certain that she is “the one.” Talk to her to help her understand that her pushing you for a premature commitment or marriage could spell disaster for this fun relationship. The best rule I’ve found is that of the lowest common denominator. Whoever needs to move slowly, safely, must receive that space and time to feel safe in the relationship. Just because one is ready to move in with the other doesn’t mean the other is ready to lose her own sacred space.
Keep talking to each other. Help to her understand what you are feeling and where it is coming from. If she just can’t hear you and insists on marriage now or never, then take care of yourself first. You HAVE to live with yourself. You choose to live with others. If you aren’t comfortable with being pushed to make a choice you aren’t 100% sure about, then speak that truth. If that ends the fun dating relationship, then so be it.
It’s ok to have boundaries. Boundaries are what make it emotionally safe for emotional, social, sexual and physical vulnerability. When you both have enough experience to validate trusting each other, then the love can blossom. And you both will figure out what the next step is in this fun dating relationship.
Take care,
Christine Cantrell, PhD
Psychologist
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