Adina, 19, from South Carolina, asks: Me and my boyfriend have been seriously dating for two years. We knew from the time we met 5 years ago that we were meant for each other. I'm ready to get married, settle down and start a family. He talks about when we are married and when we have kids and stuff like that but he's never really given me a time line of when its going to happen. I want to ask him but I'm afraid I'll scare him further away instead of bringing him close. What should I do?

VictorM's advice: The reason marriage is much scarier to guys than to girls is because it's ingrained in our genes that we have to be the providers for a family. I know, with women working that may not be so true anymore but it's still in our collective subconscience. Guys around your age, who are serious about their relationship, really worry that they're not ready for that responsibility. Women, in general, interpret that as a sign of non-commitment or not caring. In some cases it is true, but often it's exactly the opposite. The guy cares so much and wants to live up to all the expectations of being a good husband (meaning provider, father, head of the household) that until he has a steady, solid job, and maybe even money saved up, he's not ready.

You have been serious for 2 years, so in my view this subject shouldn't be taboo between you two but consider what I said above before bringing up the subject. Before you ask him, make sure you have a pulse for where he is emotionally, not in terms of his love for you -- you seem solid there -- but in terms of his maturity and job security. If he doesn't have a steady job yet, or has lots of debt, be careful about your approach. But otherwise, a nudge with a positive tone is not out of order.