Totally agree. There are plenty of issues that come up after marriage- its important that whatever the issue, you feel like you can both talk about it honestly and seriously, no having to dance around the topic.

Well, thank you everyone for your advice/opinions.

Here's an update:

I've been trying to work up the courage to just come out with it. I've made dinner for us three times since I posted this with the intention of discussing it but it never happened.

I get so off track during talking that I forget what I want to say. So I composed a long, light hearted but honest letter and emailed it to him this morning. It included everything from what I'm looking for with him and our relationship down to what I wanted in a ring. I know that some of you would say that I should have talked to him face to face but I was so worked up that I don't feel like I could have articulated my feelings properly.

Anyway, I ended the email with "This is not intended to put pressure on you, nor is it an ultimatium. Just respond with a simply smiley face that you read this." (Because he's the type that stews over information for a LONG time so I wanted him to have plenty of time to respond.)

About twenty minutes later, I received this response via text message (unfortunately, we can't talk on the phone at work):

"You are my gem, my diamond, my inspiration and my heart beat. Of course, I also envision us old and gray together, drinking wine, making sure we've taken our meds, complimenting each other on how good we still look...even though we look have sagging butts. Anything you want, I want you to have. I'd take forever deciding for you so let's get you your dream ring."

I had included a link in the email about my dream ring going on sale at moissaniteco and he went head and GOT IT! TODAY! He's going to plan a proposal and all once the ring comes in but I was floored.

Thank you to everyone who gave me the confidence to step up and say what I want. I never would have guessed his reaction!

Akkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk!!

I am so thrilled for you!!
What a sweetie pie!!
Sagging butts..lol!!

I find that I do better writing letters also,...that way I can get it all down without getting flustered.

This also works better for my teen daughter,..so things dont get riled up!

I am so thrilled for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
congratulations!!!

Well that could not have gone better!! See, there is no place for fear in a healthy relationship.

Congratulations!!

What a nice happy ending!!!!!

congratulations! his response sounds as if it was spoken by my own husband (of 13 years) I'm very excited for you. I bet you both have a very excited, perhaps teary eyed talk about what you want in life tonight I loved those talks ...

May your life together be a long and happy one!

That is one awesome conversation! Congrats to both of you! Pictures of the dream ring are mandatory! Looking forward to it.

Love that!
And, I would tell you that it doesn't matter if your best way of clearly communicating together is written, texted, drawn, hallmark cards, face to face or a combination. What matters is that you CAN communicate clearly with each other, and IMHO that's the basis for a solid, lasting relationship.

How romantic! He sounds like a dream! I'm glad that it has worked out so well for you. Congratulations and be happy.
:--)))))

P.S. I don't know what he's talking about. I'm 54 years old and still don't have a saggy butt. Everything else is saggy though.

Congrats on your happy ending! And we love pictured around here,hint,hint