It doesn’t sound like he’s in a good place – emotionally or otherwise – to be in a romantic relationship right now. He needs to figure out how he wants to deal with his family. This is about more than where he lives.

He wants his loved ones around but doesn’t want to break any of their rules. For whatever reason, being with you feels like disobeying them. You say you’re ready to commit and spend your life loving him, but he’s can’t reciprocate. Promises for the future mean little right now.

For the record, it’s not just the family stuff that makes me think you should break up with him. He hasn’t introduced you to friends – not one, right? What’s that about? It would be different if he tried to involve you in the rest of his life, but he’s not doing anything.

I feel like I’m saying this a lot these days, and it sounds so cynical, but … love isn’t everything. People can fall madly in love but break up because of distance. They can end their relationship, despite great love, because they have more growing to do as individuals. That’s why timing is important too. If someone isn’t ready to be partnered, that can override love.

After a year with this person, you’ve seen where he is – and where he’s stuck. Let him figure out his life so you can focus on your own. You’re not getting what you want.

Your love doesn’t have to be limited to one person. There is more out there for you, and it’s time to find it.

– Meredith

Readers? Time to go? Have you ever been the person who didn’t introduce a significant other to friends and family? Can you explain?