I have been dating a wonderful older man for five months. He is bipolar, but it seemed that it didn't effect us for the most part. The relationship progressed very fast. We spent the month of August together in Europe, and he tells me every day that he loves me. He even bought me a pre-engagament ring. For two months, he has been talking about engagement non-stop, and last weekend, he threw me an enormous birthday party. He is also affectionate.

Last week, his landscaper made a big mistake in his yeard, and it threw him into this depression. The next night, as we were driving to dinner for him to meet my parents for the first time, he told me he needed a break from me. I cried (I couldn't believe that he would do that with my family here when I only see them twice a year). He said nevermind, we would work it out.

The next night, he made me call my parents, who had left, and tell them everything was okay. Later that night, as we were driving to an event, he again said he wanted to break up. He said I should get over it, people break up all the time, and he is impulsive. Again, later that night, he said everything was okay.

This went on for tewo more nights: we would make up, have wonderufl days together, and he would do it again. Finally, yesterday, he said he wanted to break up because nothing made me any different than the other women he hadn't married. Later that night he took me to dinner with his parents.

This morning he said we have to make a decision about this tonight, once and for all.

I am SO confused and depressed. I bought into it all, and I thought I had found the person I was going to marry. I rely on him now for support, and I love him.

How does a man change his mind and go back and forth so wuickly like this?

I need help. I am hurting so much.