Wondering if You'll be Happy with Him Forever

June 17, 2002

Question

Hi, my name is Melissa and I have a situation on my hands. . . I just found out two weeks ago that I am pregnant and the man who is the baby's father says he wants to get married. He is promising me the world. . . a new car. . a new life in the air force. . . even a horse if I want one.

I love him and he loves me but I do not know if I am ready to get married. However I feel like I have to decide right away because he needs to be married and in the Air Force in order for them to cover medical insurance and things like that. I know I love him. I just want to do what is best for our baby. . . but I don't know if I am ready to make that kind of commitment.

I have always been scared of commitment. But I don't want my child to grow up in a split arrangement or one when he always wonders why mommy and daddy aren't together. I just want my child to be happy. I don't know if I would be happy with him forever. . . Please HELP!!!


Answer

No one can predict the future, however, we do know a couple of factors that seem to be linked to long term relationship satisfaction. One, couples who maintain the five to one ratio, that is they say and do five loving things per day to every one negative word or action seem to make it for the long haul.

Other factors associated with making it for the long haul are: the partner are best friends, both partner are similar in the areas that matter most, and this is an obscure one, women seem happiest with men who are androgynous, meaning that they have a healthy blend of male and female traits. The female aspects makes them better handling the emotional side of the relationship (listening, understanding, etc. ); and since marriage is essentially an emotional contract, being good at handling feelings is a real plus.

To find out how compatible you are, take my compatibility test, and if you score high, you have a really good shot together. Now let's talk about your fear of commitment. This is not a problem that will change all by itself, nor will time make the fear go away. Your best bet is to enter therapy and find out why you are afraid and resolve the issue once and for all.

Keep in mind that you have already made a commitment to this man by becoming pregnant with his child. If you aren't going to commit to him, then who would you commit to? Plus, you say that you love the man and he loves you. What do you have to lose by giving your love a chance.

If your compatibility score is high and you still feel scared, then you know the issue is due to your own unfinished business rather than a sign that he isn't right for you. Good luck in resolving your conflict.

- Doctor Love


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