So, you’ve been together a year or five, and he’s seen you without makeup or even in a total meltdown, with tears and snot running down your face. You probably both know what your kids would look like if they had his face or yours. And you have met his mother. Or the uncle who raised him. He has heard about that one time you disgraced your ancestors in front of EVERYONE. And the times after that. You get the picture. You have been together!
Recently, you have had an inkling that he is about to propose, and your excitement is over the roof.
However, before congratulations are in order, there are a few things you should probably do. Here they are:
Confirm Your Hunch
Or at least, be as sure about his intention to propose without running the risk of presumption or ruining his surprise. Pay close attention to his verbal and nonverbal cues. Is he suddenly talking more frequently about your future together, about marriage and kids with you? Is he building an even closer relationship with one or more of your important friends or family members? Does he suddenly seem more attentive and secretive at the same time? If your answer to these questions is yes, then he just might be getting ready to propose, which takes us to the next point…
Ask the Important Questions
You need to ask yourself if (and why) you are sure he is “the one”. Do you have shared values/interests? Do you always trust him to have your best interests? Can he trust you? Are you both ready (emotionally, psychologically, physically and financially) to get married now or anytime soon? What do your friends and family think of him? What are your expectations of each other? Talk with him about everything you can think of. Now is the time to go from hoping he’s the right one to knowing he’s the one.
Get Comfortable with His Family & Friends
You know that aunt he never stops talking about? That friend whose life history you are pretty much the custodian of now? Yeah. Those people must become your best buddies. If they are important to him, they are important to you too since you just might be spending forever with this special one. Now, we know you can’t force these things but, you can try.
Hint. Hint
Drop hints. Everywhere. With everyone. About everything from your favourite jewellery and ring size to your dream proposal. Find ways to let him (or your best-friend to whom he’ll go for advice) know just how simple and private or elaborate and public you would like him to propose. And if you would rather pick your ring yourself please let him know. Let common sense or good old gut instinct guide you as to how subtle or overt you need to be on any issue.
Make Yourself Available
No, we don’t mean you should let your life grind to a screeching halt. We are just saying you might want to say yes to a lot more dates because you see, you never know when he might decide to bite the bullet. Picnic? Yes. Evening stroll? Yes, please. Fancy dinner? Yes, yes, yes! It’s not too early to start practising for the big yes anyway.
Stay Camera Ready! Lol!
Seriously though, you don’t want to look back and wish you were better dressed. Get your hair and makeup done, wear nice clothes and please, get that manicure already!
And one last thing,
Chill, baby. Chill!
Really. Fretting won’t bring the day any closer. If anything, it just might scare him off and, even if it doesn’t, you need acne-free skin for the upcoming nuptials.