Fact: Most men dread marriage. The reason: because they hate the monotony of a married life or being stuck at home or not being able to go out with pals.

Young men in their early twenties might not even think of getting married at this point. But they do love the adventure and the thrill of dating and flirting with girls. They love going out with their pals and wallow the night away in bars and other manly activities. Guys who love sports are more committed to their craft rather than look for a girl to woo. And yet they seek to be loved and cared for by the ladies.

If they do get a girlfriend, things usually start casual. If she is a friend, it is a bit easy to woo and date her because of the existing friendship. But years will pass and things will start to get serious. But you think it's still not the right time to feel this way. But you've always wondered if he'll marry you or not.

First off, if your boyfriend is not the marrying kind, you need to take another route. But you need to ask him the burning question if he believes in marriage or not. But if you have that gut feeling that he's the right guy for you and he may have plans for your future together, it would be tempting to know if he does have a plan to marry you. However, don't pressure him or ask questions right away because you'll never know what's in his head yet; unless he opens up.

- The best thing to do initially is to be cool about it. You need to focus long-term so you have to show him that you're okay with your current set-up as boyfriend and girlfriend.

- No matter how bad you want to know, restrain yourself from bring up the M word. He might not be ready for that yet. And if he brings it up, show him that you love the idea as if it was his idea in the first place. He could be waiting for that moment, so give him a good reaction.

- Next is to show him that you are independent. Most guys hate clingy, childish women who can't seem to live without their loved ones. You can be sweet and independent at the same time, but not too clingy or needy.

- Be a good friend to him as well as his pals. You and your guy can be casual if the situation calls for it, and he will respect and love you more for that. His friends are his allies, so you would really want to be friends with them so they'll like you and will do what they can to be there for you too.

- Be a dependable girlfriend. Guys respect women who can stand by their men especially through a tough situation. So if you and your guy are having an argument, avoid daring him for a cool-off or for a break-up because it's not always a solution to guys. Cool-offs and break-ups are the dead-ends of relationships. Guys don't understand why arguments and some incompatibilities should end with cool-offs or break-ups.

- Be cool with his parents. Although not all guys bother if their girlfriends are cool with their folks or not. But you should always show respect to them as much as you respect your folks.

There are other things and gestures that you can do to make your boyfriend love and want you more. Marriage may still be a far-fetched idea for now, but in the long run, as long as you're both on the same page, it is not impossible.