Engagement and Moving In

***sorry kind of long, skip to end if you’d like

Recently got engaged to a wonderful man! The ring and our relationship is so beautiful. We get along well even though we have a lot of differences. There’s this one thing though. I’ve already tried to have this discussion with him and would like some advice before I bring it up again.

He said he’d prefer us to be married before we live together. He’s mentioned this from the beginning that him and his parents believe we should be married before we live together and sleep together. Claims it’s what they believe in and it’s apart of their religion (Christianity).

I am open to this but I was raised differently I suppose. I’m not religious and it doesn’t affect our relationship except living together. We already have sex and we’ve had sleepovers, so he must not hold that strictly to heart. I’ve asked why too and he’s said it’s because he really loves and wants to be with me. So if it’s not the religious aspect for him, what could it be?

If he’s not ready to move out and live together, why would he propose marriage?? Is he just waiting for us to be married for his parents to approve?? That just doesn’t seem right to me.

Some background. I’m 21, graduated, and living on my own already. I pay all my bills and just bought my first car. I’m rather proud of myself for my new found independence. It’s what I’ve been wanting for a long time. Although I can afford to live alone and it’s been great having privacy, id feel more comfortable having another person home and bringing in income. I’ve considered roommates but haven’t had any luck for years now (probably just too picky and no one my age is trying to move out 🤷🏻‍♀️). So I’ve been waiting around for him to be ready. I kind of just do my own thing and see him when we can, feels off to me lately. Kind of like we’re stuck.

He’s 24, graduated, and living with his parents. Seriously no judgment, they are both about 60 years old and have a lot of health issues so I understand. He’s honestly more put together than I am and financially responsible. He has a great accounting job and quite ambitious. He wants to do things right and I respect his wishes. That’s all there really is to say about it..

So should I just practice more patience??? I feel terrible for not being able to just wait.

Is there a reason he’s just not ready yet? Or why he’d care so much about his parents wishes when we already go against them??

Please share your stories or advice, even if it’s just to tell me to toughen up