I love my fiancee and want to completely trust her, but she has in her contact list, on her cell phone, the numbers of three previous love interests, and not just their cell numbers, but work and home, too.
She doesn't want to erase them, so I feel like she doesn't want to make a commitment. I know if I force the issue I would seriously damage our relationship, and I don't think it is worth that, but I can't be wondering, what if she is off with someone else? -- J.C.
Why limit it to her previous love interests? Why not worry that she's off with a colleague, or a neighbor, or some guy at the dog park, or that old friend of hers with whom there's no romantic history ... yet?
You say you "want" to trust her completely. But that and a guy-free cell would provide only imaginary security, if that.
Wanting to trust someone has little to do with actually knowing how to trust someone. When you know how, you know that everyone has exes, and colleagues, and friends, and neighbors, and there will be active suitors among them, and temptations in as many forms as there are stops in one's daily routine. You can't expunge all potential threats to your primacy.
All you can do is know that both of you will face temptations; know your own behavior and hers; know your own character and hers; then form the most realistic expectation as to whether straying is likely.
You know how she is with and about these old love interests, right? You know whether she introduced you to them, includes you in outings with them, takes their calls when you're within earshot? You know why she's keeping their numbers? You know whether she has integrity?
If all the data tell you she's a threat to cheat, then she's a poor choice for a spouse. If all the data tell you she's unlikely to cheat, then trust that you did your best in choosing a mate.
someone who, like you, is poised to hitch her life to another's, hoping she chose wisely.
Have you been as forthright with her as you expect her to be with you? Have you been as open-minded with her as you hope she'll be with you? Is this why you're so jumpy -- you know what you're capable of doing?
Think about it. She's taking the exact risk you are. Maybe you rid your cell of all traces of ex-loves, but how does she know about your heart?
You can read someone's words, deeds, body language, e-mail (with permission) and bank statements (ditto), and there will still be a whole part of that person you'll never be able to see.
Please either accept that -- better, celebrate it, since this independent person with abundant choices is choosing to be with you -- or postpone any vows till you can.