Stop expecting it, like everytime you go out for a meal etc stop thinking 'tonight is the night' because believe me, he knows thats what your thinking and I doubt he wants to propose whilst your expecting the proposal because it wont be a surprise, so hes most likely trying to drive you off the proposal track so you forget about it and then he'll surprise you with it one day your NOT expecting it, so just go along with it and it'll soon happen.

Good luck.

I'm not saying that this will happen to you, but I was in the same situation for five years and out of nowhere I found out that he was cheating on me. We were talking about marriage and family (which I was keen to start) - but the reality of it was he wasn't fully committed to our relationship in any sense. I honestly think if he was 100% into it - he would have asked me to marry him already. Just be careful, and don't throw away valuable years - I would ask him when he would like to get married and if he hasn't asked you by then, well you know he's not serious.

Ah, but cohabitation is the 21st century marriage. The misconception that cohabitating couples breakup less often and when they do it's less messy than a divorce. And if a guy only cohabitates and the relationship ends, he don't have to pay alimony and a divorce court won't decide he has to lose half his property.
He does not want marriage. He is only saying what you want to hear. Sadly that's a common technique men do. Really, 5.5 years is long enough to become ready. Had he actually wanted marriage, he would have done it by now. Time to have a serious talk, a talk he can't evade, and don't let him be vague or evasive. Point blank, look in directly in the eyes, and ask him does he want marriage. Observe. It's what his body does that will give a more reliable answer.
Yes, you might have to end it, if his goals are not compatible with his goals. Don't wait too long, give him an ultimatum and be ready to carry it. He's counting on you not doing that, smirking to himself, thinking he's got an unshakable hold on you. Prove him wrong.

Not necessarily... Yes, he might not be ready, yes there is a chance hes cheating but theres a chance with anything you do. Thats what life is, risks and chances without them life would be to simple, but to the point, my best friend was with her partner for 7 years then he proposed to her, the whole time she was wondering about the cheating etc just turnt out he wanted to save to take her on a romantic holiday and the rose petals etc and do it properly. So my advice would be, confront him, tell him its bugging you and you need to know if hes going to do it, not soon but one day or whether its not actually on his agenda if he says he doesnt know, then run for the hills but til you know whats going on, dont assume.

Have you thought about moving out for a while? What if he IS too comfortable (you've been together 5 1/2 years and you live together)? If this is an option, although it may seem like a step back, you could try it and give each other, more specifically him, space to evaluate your relationship. It would also make it clear to him that you are serious about your intentions re: marriage and family and he may buck up his ideas. It could also give you some time and independence away from him to think things over for yourself and if you did move out it also may serve as a back up should things go the way you hoped they wouldn't.

http://apracticalwedding.com/2012/09/being-pre-engaged-when-you-are-the-one-not-ready-to-get-married/

http://apracticalwedding.com/2012/09/being-pre-engaged-when-you-are-the-one-not-ready-to-get-married/

Why should he buy the milk when he have the cow? You spoil him and now he is in his comfort zone. There are men who will live with a woman for decades without marriage. However, when they meet another they entirely love they marry her within a few months. There are also those who marry the same woman after living together for years. I recently read about a couple who marry after 35 years. I know men who marry after living together for years and they all tell me they marry the woman out of respect. I notice that i there mind they are not entirely fullfilled either because they wanted a better person or they did it to please family, children and religion. Personally i would not live with a man 5 plus years. If a man truely love me then he would marry me after 2 years of relationship. He wouldn't want to torture me with waiting or slip away into someone else ring. Life is too short for me to waste precious years on someone who is not sure about me.