When we first got together, he was very much open to marriage and kids, but it seems that this has changed, even though he has not clearly expressed this to me. He says he is open to it, but that we do not have a support system since both of our parents are deceased and we would have to have a plan.

Letter writer loves their partner, but he doesn’t want kids and marriage anymore. Dear Eric, I have been in a seven-year relationship with my partner. We do not have any children together and we are not legally married. I am 36 and he is 39 and I am at the point where I would like to get married and have my own child.

Dear Eric: I have been in a seven-year relationship with my partner. We do not have any children together and we are not legally married. I am 36 and he is 39, and I am at the point where I would like to get married and have my own child.

In today's Asking Eric column, R. Eric Thomas responds to someone who considering ending their long-term relationship due to disagreements about marriage and children.