[Ask April Masini]

At age 27 you’ve put yourself in so many situations where other people take care of you. You went from one boyfriend to the next. You moved in with his parents and then when things went south, you moved in with YOUR parents. Have you ever lived on your own? If not, I think that’s your next step.

I think you’re not ready to get married, and there are too many big problems in your relationship with your Muslim boyfriend of five years. While he has some wonderful qualities, this isn’t going to work. The religion problems are deal breakers, and he’s avoiding this issue with you because he wants his way and his way only.

This other guy may or may not be Mr. Right, but right now, he’s Mr. Get Out Of My Relationship with My Current Boyfriend! I think he’s your rebound guy. The transitional man who helps you get out of the five year relationship you’re in that is breaking down, but is still limping along.

My advice is to end the engagement and relationship with your current boyfriend and focus on finishing your studies and moving out of your parents home to live on your own. When you are clear headed then you’ll be better able to focus on dating. Right now, you’re not clear headed. You know the right thing to do for the long run is to break up with your boyfriend, but breaking up is hard to do. I’m sorry you’re suffering, but the pain won’t kill you. You’ll get through it.

I hope this helps. Let me know how things go.

And please join me on Facebook. Here’s that link: [url][/url].