ArcaMax

I'm worried I might be with the wrong person, but breaking up would be too painful for me. So, Amy, how do I know I'm with the right person?

-- Hopeless Romantic

Dear Hopeless: After four years, you and your guy should more or less be headed ... somewhere. Together.

Two signs that you are on different paths are: Your boyfriend is not ready to cohabit. You are collecting other guys' phone numbers at the corner bar.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with either of these things. They are just indicators that you two are not quite ready for primetime.

If you are too chicken to break up with your boyfriend, then by all means, continue alternating between pressuring him and fantasizing about being with other people.

You could handle this by simply being honest (without saying you want to break up): "I'm frustrated that our relationship is not progressing. I'm thinking about seeing other people." You need to talk about it and yes, possibly face the pain and uncertainty of what might happen next.

Dear Amy: You've been fielding entertaining responses from readers regarding chronic lateness. But what about people who are always early? I had a guest show up at my house for dinner 30 minutes early. My husband was still in the shower!

-- No to Fledglings

Dear No: I'm a chronic early bird and have spent many moments circling the neighborhood in my car, rather than arrive too early.

I believe that polite "on time" arrival equals 10 to 15 minutes after the stated start time.

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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.)