DEAR ABBY: I am in a two-year relationship with a very nice man I'll call "Ronny." I'm divorced; Ronny was widowed three years ago after many years of marriage.
I'm having trouble accepting the fact that he displays his wife's ashes in his bedroom. We have discussed it, and I have told him it makes me uncomfortable. He moved the urn to another location when he sold his house, but about a month ago it reappeared in his bedroom.
I spend considerable time at Ronny's house and feel somewhat unsettled, not because the ashes belong to his wife, but because they are human remains. I have no problem with a picture of her that he displays -- in fact, I had it framed for him.
Ronny is unwilling to consider other options for the ashes. He says he promised his wife she'd be buried with him. He has also said he is not ready for a commitment.
I'd like a future with Ronny, but I'm afraid he's unwilling to move on with his life because he continues to keep his wife's ashes so close by. Am I out of line with my feelings? Any suggestions for me or for him? I need a new perspective. -- THREE'S A CROWD IN VIRGINIA
DEAR LADY: That Ronny moved his wife's ashes out of the bedroom and then moved them back in indicates to me that while they were "out," you may have gotten too close for his comfort. He has already told you he isn't ready for a commitment. That's a strong message.
Your feelings are not out of line. However, the most practical advice I can offer is to be prepared to be very patient if you want a future with Ronny. This man is going nowhere in a hurry, and neither is your relationship.