Dating Tales

There are a few things that many of us don’t think about when it comes to marriage proposals. The reason is probably because it’s a hard thing to prepare for, and because it hopefully doesn’t happen that often.

Here are a few ideas for those of you on both the proposer and proposee side.

1)    If you choose to ask your soon-to-be fiance’s parents, think through the words. You’ll be nervous and there’s no need to be unprepared. A friend of mine recently asked his girlfriend’s dad what he thought about marrying his own daughter. The father’s response was to laugh and say that he already had a wife. Awkward.

2)    Making the moment special is important, but don’t get so caught up in the dramatics that you lose sight of love. Keep it sweet and keep it about the two of you.

3)    If you have an idea that you may be proposed to soon, take a minute or two to think of how you will accept. During the actual moment you may be so overcome that you are speechless. This is a great way to make the person with the ring question your response. Even if it’s just an “I love you” it will help ease the nerves.

4)    A public proposal requires a kit. Make sure to bring tissue, a camera, cell phone, and makeup in case she chooses to re-apply.

5)    Don’t spend a lot of time afterwards on the phone with family and friends. Choose a few people to talk to and save the rest for later. Enjoy the moment!

6)    Definitely don’t start planning right away. It’s only normal to start fantasizing about the big day, but you’ll have plenty of time to focus on that. In the first few days be happy about the marriage, not the wedding.