So you’ve been searching for the ring of your dreams while trying to send telepathic messages to your boyfriend. You may feel like it’s about time to get married because of how long you’ve been together, but how do you know if you’re REALLY ready to take that next step and tie the knot? Here are some important things to consider:

1) You’ve seen each other at your lows
While love and wedding planning can launch you into that head-in-the-clouds, blissful stage– life isn’t always like that. Have you seen each other mad, sad, scared, etc? Life can be complicated, so it’s better to know how your other half will react under certain stresses before you’re tied to them forever.

2) You’ve met the family
Now you don’t have to LOVE his family or even like them, but you probably should meet them and figure out where your man has come from. Also it’s nice just to see who these people are you’ll be sharing your life with too. You may not necessarily be marrying the family, but they will be part of your life for a long long time. Better to get to know them now rather than later.

3) You’ve talked about the future
Do you know each other’s hopes and aspirations? Are you thinking trendy condo but he’s thinking starter house? Are you planning to start your career some place specific? These are important things to think about and discuss. If he’s thinking California and you’re thinking New York, you may have some difficult waters to navigate.

How do you know if you’re ready to be engaged?

Nikki

Photo by Miller + Miller