Hi yongqin,
I am in the same position as you. My bf is 4 years younger and initially while we got together, we were not thinking about marriage, we just like each other. before we started, I just ended with my ex (5 years with him) abt 6 mths back, and so, I was not ready but things just happened.
after being with each other for some time, the irrational side of us faded away (the attraction that got us together), and we have to deal with many issues, real issues, like the age gap, the income gap, etc...my bf always feel he is not good enuff for me...
It doesn't help that I was like u, always throwing temper, partly cos being older, I LIKE to be in control.. I am like u, changed alot for him, till recently, I questioned myself, am I still me? or I have lost myself in this r/s? I told my bf my plans to get married in 1-2 year's time as well..but let's face it, they are still very young (for guys), and unless they really love u, and are ready to commit to ur TIMELINE, then marriage will not happen...
I'm sure ur bf has his own timeline, its a matter if his timeline includes u..ask him, what does he want 3, 5 ,10 years down the road, and are u included in his plan??
I am blessed that my bf told me that when he was planning his timeline, I am in HIS picture..I am included in his planning, and he will try to accomodate what I want and infuse into his planning..very very touched...
We, being older women who date younger guys, are ALWAYS at a disadvantage. Your bf has NOTHING to lose being with u, so what if its 2.5 years?? he can still start afresh at age 25...
but what about us? we may not have the time and the energy to do so...we definitely are the ones at risk...if u let this drag on, the one suffering is you!!
yongqin, talk to him, ask him about his timeline, and if it doesn't include u, break up with him. Its hard but at least u still have time at 28 to find another guys willing to settle down with u...
As for me, I still have many issues to settle with my bf before we settle down, but at least, we have a clear goal in mind! we both are working towards the same direction, to have a family in 1-2 year's time. That is the most impt, having the same goal to work towards, then solving the issues along the way...
yongqin, get a common direction first, then the issues will solve along the way...dun just look at the issues in ur r/s and forget the big picture...it is impt that both of u are moving together! all the best gal! do work out the timeline with him, and if he doesn't wanna include u, dun waste any more time!!!