I am 27 and have been in a relationship with an extremely handsome, affectionate and loyal man for 18 months. Despite being in my late 20s, this is my first serious relationship. It is also the first time I have introduced anyone to my family, and they love him. We have talked about children and marriage but, although I love him, I’m not sure I want all that with him. I am scared that I am settling for him because he is the first man I have been serious with. I don’t want to end things and regret it a year or so down the line, but if it is not going to work in the long run, wouldn’t it be easier on both of us to end it now?
• When leaving a message on this page, please be sensitive to the fact that you are responding to a real person in the grip of a real-life dilemma, who wrote to Private Lives asking for help, and may well view your comments here. Please consider especially how your words or the tone of your message could be perceived by someone in this situation, and be aware that comments that appear to be disruptive or disrespectful to the individual concerned will be removed.
• If you would like fellow readers to respond to a dilemma of yours, send us an outline of the situation of about 150 words. For advice from Pamela Stephenson Connolly on sexual matters, send us a brief description of your concerns.
• All correspondence should reach us by Wednesday morning. Email: private.lives@theguardian.com (please don’t send attachments).
