They want kids, but no one else's

DEAR AMY: My husband and I do not plan to have children for a few more years. We already know we are the "I only like my own kids" type of people. My problem is, I don't want other people's kids at our house -- ever -- for any reason. The way we see it, when we have kids, we'll have kids over at our house for the rest of our lives. Until then, I don't want there to even be a chance that something will get broken or ruined by undisciplined kids and negligent parents. When we have our own children, we can teach and discipline them as we see fit. Is there a polite way to tell people our house is a no-kid zone?No-Kid Zone

DEAR NO-KID: One way to prevent kids from invading your world is to convey to parents: "We only like our own children, but we don't have any, so that means we don't like any children -- at least for now." You have a right to keep your home a pristine castle, but your letter raises my hackles because you claim you want to have children, yet you don't like them. Right now, you need only tell your friends, "We'd really like for you to come over, but only if you can get a sitter."

DEAR AMY: Ten months ago, my boyfriend and I picked out an engagement ring. He still hasn't given me the ring. Whenever I try to ask why he hasn't proposed, it turns into a big fight. He says he isn't ready yet and is waiting for the perfect time. We have lived together for two years. He has been married before, so I feel maybe that has something to do with it, but he insists it doesn't. It's making me really angry, and I just want to know how long is too long to keep waiting.Eager to be Engaged

DEAR EAGER: Succumbing to peer pressure to get married is the worst reason to enter into such an important and intimate state. Tell him you understand and accept that he's not ready. If you want marriage, you will need to find a different partner.