Dear Annie: I’ve been dating this woman on and off for the past six years.

In all this time, she has never officially introduced me to her family or friends.

We’ve never spent a holiday together, and she has never invited me to her home. Not even once! She says it’s because of past relationship trauma, so I haven’t pushed the issue.

She’s met my whole family. I introduced her to everyone important to me because she means that much.

Why is she keeping me a secret? — Confused and Frustrated

Dear Confused and Frustrated: Six years is a long time to stay on the outskirts of someone’s life.

Past relationship trauma might explain some hesitation, but it doesn’t excuse shutting you out completely.

Tell her you respect her past but are also invested in your future together, and ask what steps are necessary for her to move forward.

If she insists on keeping you at arm’s length, it might be time to find somebody who can invite you into 100% of their life.

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].