DEAR ABBY: I am 29 and on the fence about what to do. My 32-year-old boyfriend of a year and a half, "Aiden," proposed while we were in Europe last month. Aiden is a sweet guy who would do anything for me. I waffled and said I had to think about it. He bought a lovely engagement ring that he still has in his possession. We do not live together.
Aiden says he's certain he wants to spend his life with me. My problem is, I don't want to marry him. I am a professional, and Aiden is a tradesman with no money. Even though he kisses the ground I walk on, I don't think I'd be happy in the long term with him and would always wonder if I could have done better.
On the other hand, I am almost 30 and want children. It seems that nice guys who want to commit are in short supply. Should I settle for Aiden? Breaking up with him, as I did a few months ago for a couple of weeks, would crush him. But he has little social life and no hobbies -- just me. -- CONTEMPLATING IN ALBERTA, CANADA
DEAR CONTEMPLATING: Nice guys who want to commit may be in short supply, but please do this nice guy a favor and end the relationship before you hurt him any more than you already have. Tradesmen can be good providers, husbands and fathers, and Aiden has much to offer a woman who can appreciate him fully. Clearly, that's not you, so let him go.