I’m by no means a trained therapist, but based on my own experiences, the obvious thing that jumps out at me is, why not wait until you’re more confident in your own place in this particular relationship, and why not have these tough conversations -before- making that leap? And by that I mean, the tough conversation with yourself (perhaps with the help of a therapist, which is what I should’ve done), and with your significant other as well. Life is a marathon, not a sprint, my man. Even at our age, why hurry when that much doubt and fear still exist?

P.S.: I’m also a father to a special needs child. It’s a unique challenge, but also a tremendous blessing at the same time.