Can This Relationship Become A Marriage? Teenage Stepson Creates Conflict

(The names have been changed to protect family privacy.) Jeff and Ann have been dating for three years, starting when Ann's 16 year old son Michael was just 13 years old. Ann's son, an only child, seems to have considered himself the "man" of the house even then, because his father had been gone from his life since the age of five. Ann and Michael have a close  relationship, as mothers and sons often do. Jeff loves Ann, but feels that Michael is the "other man" standing in the way. According to Jeff, Ann seems not to realize that her son is manipulative, stubborn, and Jeff feels, disrespectful to him.  Although he loves Ann, this is keeping Jeff from making the decision to marry her. Ann sometimes feels that Jeff is a little jealous of her relationship with her son, and wonders if Jeff is just making excuses and is secretly afraid of commitment. Can this relationship become a marriage? Give us your opinions! Call 515-605-9325. Press 1 to speak.