starbright

My boyfriend and I have been in a serious relationship for over 5 years and have been living together for 2 years. We've talked about getting married for the past few years, but I have yet to see a ring or a proposal. We've looked for rings together and he's said he has been planning something, but he's been saying that for the past 6 months. He knows that I want to get married to him, but I feel that maybe he's giving me a lot of lip service. I am independent and don't rely on him financially. I have told him that if he's not wanting the same things out of our relationship that I do then he needs to let me know. He tells me all of the time how much he loves me, doesn't want to live without me, wants to spend the rest of his life with me, etc. He's even asked my parents for my hand... 2 years ago. Maybe it's the thought of making it official that is making him drag his feet. I need some advice because I am seriously considering breaking it off with him and moving on. My family and friends keep telling me to leave him because he's not going to do it. In my heart I believe he will, eventually. Howeverm I'm not willing to wait another 5 years to see it happen. I love him very much, but I am not willing to compromise on what I want, especially since we've talked about wanting the same things for so long and after putting up with other things most women wouldn't. He's a great man, but how long should a woman continue to wait for her boyfriend to propose?
Should I give him more time and space or start packing my bags?