ArcaMax

Should I propose to myself and forget about the romance part?

-- Extremely Frustrated

Dear Frustrated: I always know when spring is on the horizon, and wedding season is winking over the yardarm. This time of year is an engagement trigger.

You've shown him rings. You've lingered at the courthouse steps. Either this guy can't take a heavy hint or -- he doesn't want to get engaged.

You've basically asked for a proposal, and the most he will do is to say that you will get married "one day."

If you truly feel that you two have a wonderful relationship, your choices are to stay together without getting married (you don't seem to want that), or to tell him, "You know how you said we'd get married one day? Well, congratulations to us. Saturday is the day!"

There are definitely cases where couples who have been together for a decade or more go on to get married, but -- more often -- people who don't get married after 10 years simply don't get married. You may need to decide what you want the most -- to be married, or to be with your guy, with or without marriage.

Your romantic fantasy may only come true with a different groom.

Dear Amy: Oh, dear, I was devastated to read the letter from "Party of None," the woman who threw herself a 40th birthday party, and only two people came.

Thank you for you compassionate and understanding response to her letter. I agree that this is probably more common than people will admit.

-- Been There

Dear Been There: This question opened the flood gates for readers, many of whom responded that they have had similar experiences. This is why I offered to go to her next party, and I hope she takes me up on it.

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(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook.)