So you thought you’d be engaged by now, huh? Does watching other girls flaunt their sparklies as they plan their summer weddings make your blood boil and turn you as green as a leprechaun?
There’s a good number of girls who go through a period of time where they have to wait for the “perfect” moment, even though they think the perfect moment was like yesterday. We’ve been there ourselves and know how annoying it can be. But never fear! You’re not alone and we have some great tips for you to field your feelings of anxiety without taking them out on your (hopefully) future groom
1. Open a Dialogue
You don’t want to be annoying about the topic of marriage, but the truth is, if you’re going to get married, it’s always a good idea to have a conversation about it. Sometimes the guy can do it, but when he’s particularly shy, you can help him out. Like if you’ve been dating for two years and he’s a regular at your family’s famous barbecue and Easter egg hunt, it’s fair to say, “Wow! You’ve really become part of the family” and see where it goes from there. If he doesn’t budge then it’s nice to throw in something like, “Well, it makes me feel better that you’ll fit in well with my crazy relatives if we ever get married.” If you had never talked about marriage up until this point, using the word “IF” is very important. It approaches the topic in a non-threatening way and lets him lead into the “when” portion.
BUT if you guys have already started talking about marriage but he still hasn’t put a ring on it, there are things you can do to get the conversation moving. Sometimes guys don’t think about the logistics of wedding planning. So if you have already confirmed with each other that you both want to marry each other and it’s only a matter of when, starting saying things like “I’ve always wanted a June wedding and probably need about 8 months to plan. Would you want to be married by next summer?” Guys can understand numbers and when he realizes, “OH! I have to propose with enough time to plan a wedding,” then it gets his creative juices flowing.
2. Drop Hints Without Going Overboard
Sometimes guys are just stumped. A ring? A fantastic proposal? It can be overwhelming. If you have a ring in mind and you don’t think he’s bought one yet, tell a friend which ring it is and have her drop hints like, “Oh so I know you and Susie are serious now and she mentioned really liking this ring. Just in case you were thinking about it!” Sometimes it can plant a good thought in his head. And coming from another person, it makes the whole situation less threatening. Also, you can direct him to sections of Engagement 101 online or even buy one of our print issues and casually have it lying around (our special guy edition is fantastic!). Make sure you order a copy!
3. Double Date With Your Married Friends
Sometimes guys think marriage is the death of all things fun. Find your more fun and outgoing married friends and go on a fantastic double date. It helps if he’s friends with them too, but it doesn’t have to be that way (just make sure him and the other guy are compatible personalities). Being around a married couple who’s 1) in love and 2) super fun to be around may make him see marriage in a whole new light. Plus, your friend could ask, “HEY! When will you two tie the knot,” which can open dialogue for you without making it seem like you’re the pushy one!
4. Take a Step Back
So nothing’s working and your guys just seems to be impossible. Sometimes it’s good to take a breather. Drop the wedding talk. Stop the hints. Heck, even step away from your Pinterest page that you keep secret so no one thinks your a freak. Sure, it’s good to dream, but if it’s driving you crazy, it’s time to take a step back, enjoy a nice bubble bath and maybe a girls’ night out on the town. If he really is marriage material and truly loves you, he’ll miss all the attention you give him normally and maybe start thinking more about it.
5. Enjoy Your Relationship
It’s easy to get angry when you feel like your engagement is long overdue or you’re watching all your friends tie the knot, but remember: you like him for a reason. Don’t let your bitterness ruin a good thing. Enjoy going out. Go on special dates. Embrace the perfect cuddle session during a movie night in. Dating life is a special time and you should enjoy it. Plus, it’ll keep your mind off the proposal and let you truly be surprised instead of feeling like “IT’S ABOUT TIME!”
Nikki
Photo Credit: Celebrity with Style
