Plainome-
Your response is very accurate. I do see it that way. Of course my post is one-sided....I'm the one writing it. He is entitled to his own view. I only wish he raised the issue sooner. He said he felt it all along, but never spoke up. He spoke about designing the ring and asked our parents....then did nothing. So I do feel misled since he was not honest about his feelings. Instead he acted like we were on the same page and kept leading me on. I would not have dated him if I knew we were so opposed to something so important. I think I had the right to know that. That is my only point of contention.

What I was wondering here was more along the lines of:
1) am I right to end a relationship over this
2) do I expect to much in general...would my request be impossible?
3) can other single parents relate/been through something similar or have similar values.

Your response was right on. I do get the other side of it. All of the responses have helped me see that I made a good decision for me and my son.

Thanks for your feedback-

Awwww.. thanks =)

Templter--thanks for the laugh!

Thank you all for your feedback and understanding. I guess I just needed someone in my corner saying "nah, you did the right thing." It's good to know I am not totally off-base or crazy and that many of you can relate. (well, I always joke that I am crazy in a GOOD way =)

Thanks again guys. I guess I can stop second guessing myself and just find some peace in my decision.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving =)

Thanks SuzinVA
I was trying to wrap me head around that comment too. I am not superficial and do not have a list of "requirements." It is a very deep conviction and your right, I just cannot compromise that. Whether a man is blue collar/white collar, blond or brunette doesn't matter to me. But th important things do.

Hi everyone. I am new to this site. Wondering if I can ask for feedback from other single parents?

Here's the scoop. I recently went through a break up. We were friends for 2 years and dated for 1 year, 8 months. We recently ended things for a difference of opinion, but it was a big one.
From day one, I let it be known that I have no intention of living with a man unless marriage was in the future. I think it would be confusing for my 4 year old, who already had to deal with divorce/separation. So, I am not willing to "play house." Definitely engagement required and planning for the wedding--at least.
After a year and a half, the BF announced that he would not marry anyone he did not live with first. He asked if we could live together and was not willing to move forward until we did that first. From my point of view, if he is not sure that I am "the one" than he is not co-habitating with me and my child!

This started 3 months of arguing about the topic and I finally had to throw in the towel. I felt like if he did not respect me enough to honor my beliefs and does not believe that my son and I deserve more, than I am wasting my time. It was a very hard decision. But my child will always come first over a dating relationship. Especially where that man does not have an intention to be out family.

So, it has been a rather sad thanksgiving and I am left wondering if I am the only one? Are my expectations unreasonable? I know it would take a special man to accept a package deal, but is it impossible?

I welcome your feedback, but please be gentle =)