How long do i wait?

If he has some goals to achieve,something that he really wants to do, can't u two do together? If he is the man you love and u wanna marry to him, u should let him know that u r a great partner and will be with him no matter what.If he is the right person to u, even u let him go now, he will still come back to u. U r afraid of letting him go, because u r too used to have him besides u and can't trust him completely. please have confident in ur love. ^_^

It sounds like your making assumptions for him instead of asking him what he really thinks and feels. That can be a critical mistake in a relationship. Never assume what the other person is feeling or wanting. You need to ask him and let him know how you feel and what is important to you. Listen to him and respect what he has to say. Then decide what you feel is best for you and your life.

I really think you guy may be scared of marriage why get married when you have been together for so long to him it probably feels like you already are. Men just don't want the hassle of having to say to everyone look i'm commited. And if by now he hasn't poppped the question he probably never will. that is the reality of the whole thing. Men just have trouble when it comes to commitment. But if you are happy with the situation the let it be. As long as he's happy too.

maybe he's looking for someone who can spell

talk to him about it, i don't believe in 'taking a break' (see Friends - Ross and Rachel) if you're happy together why change the situation?

Unless he wants to be a "freebird" I dont think that you should let him do anything. If he is mentioning sowing his wild oats then he probably is not ready. If he is not mentioning then stay with him. Hes probably ready. Are you?
Good Luck!