Feel like my relationship has halted...(long)

[Bettylou]

Hi all,

 

I have been in my relationship with Joe for six years and I don't know if I should read into it, but I feel like my relationship with him is slowing down.

 

I'm normally the one who calls up Joe to ask how his day is or if he wants to go into town to the local bar. Or I'm the one who iniates contact on Facebook.

 

Yesterday Joe was at my parents place (I live at home while I finish my masters degree) and we talked. Mostly light hearted conversation about the future. Such as I would like to get a new ring and I asked him to suggest what type of metal and what stones. He replied his birthstone so then I will never forget him. We talked of children and when would be best to have them.

 

He even told me to get some plastic bins to start moving my clothes over to his place for "safe-keeping".

 

Anyway tonight he came over to look at my car. He stayed for a bit, layed on my bed and we talked about various people in our lives. I made comment about this chick that has been trying to flirt with Joe the last time we saw her. It was a light hearted comment nothing bitchy.

 

Joe went quiet and said "I guess it's because she thinks she should be with me because I know her longer then you." (This is true, they knew each other since they were teenagers) "I did ask her out a few times on a date and I used to make excuses trying to call her and ask her over but she declined each time. This was before she became the town bike!"

 

Then we went on talking about other friends and I made fun of a friend getting married (just the way she is dealing with the wedding) and Joe seemed fine by that, I even showed him some of my own jewellery to give him a hint that hopefully in the future we will get engaged.

 

Well after a round of sex, he just did idle chit-chat. He mentioned he couldn't wait till his flatmate was gone to see his distance girlfriend. I suggested I would be happy to be there with him to which he replied "I would like a few days on my own" I let it slide until he said "I am getting used to sleeping on my own."

 

When I went to walk to his car, he closed the door in my face and as I followed him out he said "I don't want you to be in the way when I'm driving off."

 

I was just going to stand at the gate. Not be anywhere near his car. He kissed me goodbye and it was after that I feel like perhaps I'm pushing him into the idea of an engagement? That is why he is pulling away perhaps. (I don't want to be like my friend, who planned her own engagement) Or perhaps it is nothing and I'm feeling insecure.

 

Just right now I feel like the relationship is slowing down? I don't want to feel like I have to back off for him to call me, or to notice me.

 

What would you guys do?