Nothing ruins a proposal than a ring that doesn't fit. Photo courtesy of Nikki LaFaille

So, you’ve found the girl and now all you have to do is find the ring– and in the RIGHT size. It can be a daunting task, but there are some tips to keep you on the straight and narrow (and even how to do it in secret)

1) Measure her finger in her sleep

You can download ring sizers on the internet to print out. Make sure you print it out properly  and while your lady is sound asleep, either slip it around her finger or take a small string and size it that way. Trust me, if you’re stealth enough, she’ll never know.

2) Steal one of her rings

If your gal has a jewelry box, chances are she has other rings. Slip one out and bring it to a jeweler to figure out what size it is. But one word of caution, make sure it’s a ring she wears on a ring finger, preferably her left handed one (and yes, girls do wear rings on their left ring fingers even without being engaged). I knew a guy who did this method, but stupidly grabbed a thumb ring by accident. Whoops!

3) Ask someone close to her

Just ask a girlfriend to ask. If she doesn’t know offhand, tell her to ask in a non-suspicious way. Girls are always joking about when guys will propose. Have her pretend to be nosey and ask if she looked at rings or if she knows the size– you know– just in case you ask, which she’ll deny that you have. Or have her try on one of her rings and then ask.

4) If all else fails, ask her!

Trust me– your girl would rather you ask her upfront than to have you propose with a ring that doesn’t fit.