Wow. I can only empathize with your situation and hope that is has the ending that you would like. I was always coached that men do things in their own time, however, it is essential that you know and recognize early on what a man's attitude is towards marriage as tthey pretty much say what they mean. As women we are always the hopeless romantic and as such, think we can change a man, and it most of the times is not the case. Since you feel that scared to evn bring it up, you have to decide if he loves you that much, a GROWN conversation after ten years is just not enough for YOU. Also for your kids, this is also protection and commitment as well. If he truly loves you, he will hear you out at a minimum and you can gauge how he truly feels after all this time. I think men know after a time when they truly wants to be with someone, but I agree with you it should not take ten years to come to that conclusion. I would not package it as an ultimatum, but again, a grown conversation about your future between two adults. But as another BDWer mentioned, be fully prepared as it can go either way. I wish you the very best and keep us posted. I hope he "man ups" and feels changed toward the subject of marriage. Hugs!