I have been seeing a man for two years now, but he doesn't want to go anywhere public. He says he doesn't want to show his kids that he is dating anyone because their mother did that, his exwife, and it hurt them badly. I have gone along with it because I didn't really want to be in a serious relationship. But now I am wanting to be "public". He hasn't shown that interest. We have sex whenever we see each other. I want to know if I am giving myself away to a bad relationship or how do I go about letting this guy know that he means the world to me?

You need to tell him straight out that you are ready to take the next step. Being a secret is boreing. If you really feel like you like this guy as much as you say and you want to take the next step then telling him so will help. He will never no until you speak up. You don't want to waste your time with somebody who is going to keep you in the closet. That is not a healthy relationship.

Crystal

He has his own baggage, and if you are with him, you are going to be effected by it. Going along will hurt you in the end. This relationship is not very healthy, and its not going to get any better it seems.

Now that I want more in the relationship, I feel a greater sense of dissatisfaction. Yesterday, after being with him the night before, I felt a lot of hurt because I couldn't just call him and talk. I thought I could go along without all the talking, but it isn't working. We did a lot of talking on a date the night before, but we didn't go anywhere where we could be seen as a couple. He has told me off and on that he is a hermit and doesn't want to be someone who reveals everything. I don't buy that, but I was going along with it for my own reasons. Thanks for your input talaniman and MichiganGirl10.