My boyfriend (we'll call him Rob) and I have been together for 2.5 years, living together almost 2. We're happy overall, but have had our problems. Jealousy is a big one, he is a bit on the insecure side. I have never once done anything to lose his trust, but I have never fully earned it either. (Although this has improved a bit ) Things have been a bit rough recently arguing and tension...we are both at fault....and I've been having doubts as to whether or not we are going to make it and be able to build a truly solid foundation, or if the same problems will continue. To complicate things, my life long friend "steve" came in the picture. We stayed up all night talking last friday, literally until the sun came up. He was driving thru town on his way to our 10 year highschool reunion and came over to talk me into going....as he knew I was looking forward to it and wanted to be there...but decided not to go..we ended up sitting on my back porch talking, catching up and laughing hysterically for hours! . Steve and I have always had a deep bond and love for eachother....ever since we were 5...never romantic....but as true friends you know? I think as him and I have gone thru our adult lives, we have both wondered what it would be like if we took the next step and became partners...in fact, I know we have. I told Rob that we need to take a step back, I gave him my engagement ring and let him know that I'm not positive about life long committment givem the way things have been. ( we've been "engaged" for almost a year, but no date has been set, no planning or anything of the sort) He states he wants to improve, grow up (he's 6 years younger than me, but does act older than his age) I'm torn as I can feel my always existent love for Steve blossoming into more.....and I feel terrible!!!!; I'm not a cheater, emotionally or physically....but Steve and I have been texting quite often since last Friday....I'm just torn anf confused. I feel bad, like I am now emotionally cheating on Rob...but it also feels wonderful to talk with my amazing friend. I just don't know what to do. ....Steve wants move forward, wants an us...but understands that I'm confused and hesitant to make a rash decision and just end things with Rob. Steve is not pushy at all, he's not the jealous or possessive type, he's such a gentleman. Although things have been said in regards to a romance between us, our texts have been more along the lines of two life long fiends just talking, laughing, enjoying eachother. We have always been very like minded, and highly respect the differences we do have, we have the same communication style, the same sense of humor, similar passions and morals, similar interests and views....and we've simply been connected since we were children. Years have gone by without seeing eachother and yet our friendship and love continues to grow. Steve actually poposed to me in 4th grade, on our way home from a field trip...I declined. Lol. We have always wanted to be together, but neither of us ever moved on it. The crazy thing is that Steve has a nack for showing up when I'm in trouble...its like he knows Im in pain and out of my element.. I feel that the similarities between us that I noted above are the exact things lacking between Rob and I. We have a passionate relationship and do love eachother, but the true connectedness is not there. I don't regret loving Rob, I don't regret our relationship...I am a believer in things happening for a reason....but I think our time may be done. I'm robs first true love, he's 22 and has never been in a relationship like ours....I'm so scared that I will crush him if I end it. And part of me almost wonders if this disconnect between us can turn into a strong bond. Like my title says, I'm confused and torn. I don't want to break Rob's heart, or make a decision I may later regret....I think I will simply take it easy and see how this all unfolds..Another point to make is that I don't feel like my true self with Rob....I feel as if he doesn't know the true me. Our communication is and has been lacking. He said to me the other day that he's tired of hearing me tell my stupid stories and talking about my stupid family.....excuse me!!?? There was much more to that convo, but that's one of the main points. The thing is that he normally is quite kind....but he just kind of lost it that morning....that's when things really started to go down hill...I don't trust him with my heart any longer. And then here comes Steve...and what did we do? Nothing but talk and tell our "stupid" stories until 6 in the morning. Some new, some old, some about nothing at all....Steve doesn't like that I'm with Rob, not because he wants to be, but because he knows the guy doesnt treat me right. Rob has said to me numerous times throughout our relationship that I deserve better...rather than making the needed changes to keep me around. But now.....he's promising that things will change....hmmmm...we shall see. I know its long. Thanks for reading!****