[newtribemember]

Help! I'm one of those people who are good at talking about their problems with everyone but the one they need to talk to. I've been dating this guy for over 5 months. When we met, my divorce was a month from being final and he has been dealing with his ex (and their two sons) as well. I'm 29, he's 31. Things started great, he was very attentive and we went out all the time, and hung out constantly. Once I was going to court to finalize my divorce, he found out he was being sued for child support. Things slowed down with us for the next two months. We didn't progress past simple kissing. Well we hit the 3 month mark and finally we moved forward with our relationship and have been doing great ever since. The only issue I have, is that he still introduces me as "his friend." I know I'm more than a friend, we've talked about going on trips with his kids to my parents house, if we can't see each other we at least talk everyday if not several times a day. He calls me honey, sweetie, etc. And he's affectionate in front of his kids. I just can't tell if I am more than a friend or if he thinks it's casual. I'm sure he knows me well enough to know I'm not a casual kind of girl, but I'm terrible at communicating the one I have the issue with about my feelings, and he's the same way. What is the best way to approach this issue without scaring him? I don't want ANYthing about our relationship to change except I want to know where I stand.

[talaniman]

I've been dating this guy for over 5 months.

Two things to know off the bat. 1) 5 months especially after a divorce, is really soon to have established something with a stranger, 2) and if you slow down, and enjoy getting to know each other, you will establish a bond, and learn enough to know how to talk, and listen to each other. Have fun and pay attention to each other, and it will be apparent about how you feel, as I bet he doesn't know yet either. It will come though. Just keep enjoying each other with no pressure. Good Luck.