I don't believe in marriage but my partner does. He is 37, I am 32. We have been dating for 12 years and known each other as friends. Every time one of our friends get married, he tells me we should get married too. It sounds cute to my friends and family but I don't feel the need for it. We are good as a couple, we are there for each other. Everyone I know is aware that we are a couple. I don't mind moving in with him. But marriage is very complicated. I don't want that label to ruin what is beautiful between us. How do I convince him that we can love each other without getting married?

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
You are right, it is entirely possible to love each other forever without labelling it as a marriage but he is also right to want a commitment that is on paper as well. This is one of those situations where neither of you is wrong. You can try and explain your side in case your partner gets serious about getting married, but trying to convince him to give up what he wants is not fair. It is a tricky situation but I believe that clear communication from right now can dodge some unnecessary complications which might arise once your partner doesn’t just say “we should get married too” and moves on to “will you marry me?” Please have an open discussion about your views on marriage and his, and try to find a middle ground so that your relationship does not get affected.

Best Wishes.