It is quite understandable if you feel like bursting due to the fact that your boyfriend seems to enjoy an endless dating stage. You may even begin to envy some of your friends who seem to zoom past you as they find guys for whom proposing is a breeze. What on earth could be wrong with your boyfriend? You may wonder. Even worse, you may begin to think that it has to do with you. Has he been taking you for a ride all along?

You should understand that that is a fairly common scenario, as many guys seem to reach a plateau at the dating level. You should also understand that you don't have to let your relationship stall. There are some steps that will help you to get out of such a frustrating limbo. Some relationships have broken up, after which the guys find new dates and within a relatively short time, they go ahead and commit to a marriage. Why? Basically, the way the women handle the situation is what makes the difference. Here are some of the steps that will help your guy to yearn for a lasting commitment.

Handle commitment phobic boyfriend #1 - consider his feelings

The way you make your boyfriend feel will either make or break your relationship. Although you would like to walk down the aisle with him, you should not bring this idea up in any way. There are high chances that you will make the man feel like you are stifling him. Give him his freedom instead by not giving any indication that you are crazy about getting married to him.

Handle commitment phobic boyfriend #2 - don't take his role

Constantly bringing up the issue of marriage may easily make the man get discouraged. Although they do not say it, men love to take the leading role, and be the ones to propose. If you tell him how much you long to share your future with him, you will have effectively taken this role out of his hands.

Men enjoy playing the hunters. If they realize that they are being hunted instead, they tend to bolt. Hence you should avoid any action, not just words, that will give this impression.

Handle commitment phobic boyfriend #3 - give him something to chase after

Your boyfriend will be so content at the dating level when he knows that you are firmly in his grasp. If he knows that he will find you whenever he needs, he won't make any effort to change the situation. Make yourself less available to him instead. When he misses you, he will make a commitment so that he does not lose you.

Such subtle steps will help you to make your boyfriend have a change of mind. It won't be long before he finally pops up the big question.