Dear Mike Cares, what advice would you give this ball-busting future divorcee?

DEAR MIKE CARES: I just turned 29. My partner, "Jeremy," and I have been together for six years and have talked about getting engaged. He set the timeline for an expectation of when he'd propose early on in our relationship -- by "five or 30" (meaning either we've been together for five years or he hits 30). Both of those marks hit last year, and I expected him to propose, but it didn't happen. I am mortified because I keep getting asked by people, "Why not?" I don't have an answer, except that Jeremy is just not ready.

He told me he wants to pay off some debts before buying a ring, but we are both saving and living well below our means, and I don't want anything expensive. Jeremy is focused on his physical training and his hobbies. I'm ready to buy a home, get married, maybe even start a family, but I feel like we're stuck in the post-college lifestyle.

I have told Jeremy all of the above several times now, but it seems to fall on deaf ears. Otherwise, he tells me the commitment is already there and that he will get to a place where he feels he's ready. He also told me the only reason he'd ever propose is because I want it -- because it has no meaning or joy for him!

I'm confused and worried that something is wrong with me for feeling this way. All my friends are married. They have bought homes and are starting families. I'm tired of waiting for this train to come in, and I'm resentful that he hasn't kept to his timeline. Now I'm not sure I should say yes, even if he does ask. Do I run for the hills or trust him to keep his word? He's always been honest with me. -- WAITING AND WAITING

DEAR WAITING AND WAITING: Jeremy should run for the hills, far away from you and all the misery you would have put him through. And, you should run for the hills to find a new guy, ideally some slope-shouldered sap interested in getting married, buying a home and “maybe starting a family,” then you can become a fat, brow-beating housewife that will turn him into a miserable fall down drunk, eventually leading to a divorce, or, far worse than that, another letter to me. Good Luck and Keep in Touch! Dear Mike Cares is also on X, Instagram and Facebook (whatever they are.) For more honest advice, email me your stupid questions at DearMikeCares@gmail.com