Words: Heather
Published: March 6, 2012

Ladies, I’m going say this point blank, no sugar coating, just the good honest truth. Don’t sabotage
your own engagement! Seems pretty simple yet it’s one of the bigger challenges we come across with proposers (only term I can come up with for guys proposing).

Chances are your man is trying to plan something special for the marriage proposal, which speaks wonders to how much he cares especially if it’s not something that comes natural for him. Therefore, why on earth are you snooping around or asking too many questions to ruin all his efforts?!! We have a few simple pre-engagement rules for all you ladies in waiting.

1. DON’T GO SNOOPING for the ring. Yes you might find the stunning ring you can’t wait to slip onto your left hand but many times woman find their guy’s game plan too which spoils it for everyone (aka in his email, phone, work bag, laptop, etc.)

2. He is doing his very darnest to surprise you and hopefully make it unforgettable, therefore if you think it’s coming within a few months or so, DON’T ASK (essentially hound) him about the proposal. You don’t want him to give up his awesome plan and resort to handing you the ring during an argument about when, where, how long until he proposes. If you’ve discussed marriage and know wedding bells are in your future, let him have the proposal and try not to micro manage.

3. Every time your boyfriend plans a date try not to concentrate on, “is this it?!” AVOID MAKING SUBTLE COMMENTS or passive jokes such as, “are you proposing to me there?” or “do I need to get really dressed up for tonight?” If he is proposing, you just stole the wind beneath his wings; chances are you don’t have a clue to what surprises he has in store so don’t say these comments out loud! True story, one fiancee -to-be asked if her guy was proposing in Napa when they were casually talking about spending a day wine tasting; he ending up canceling ALL his plans (which were amazing by the way). Saying he was disappointed is an understatement and sadly became stressed and unenthusiastic about the proposal.

4. Lastly, IF YOU HAVE A HUNCH, don’t make it obvious. Getting your nails done, hair colored and a spontaneous shopping spree makes it very clear his attempt at keeping this a surprise failed. For his sake, keep it on the DL.

Take this as “girl code” and consider what you do and say before he pops the question! If you are tempted to do these things above go straight to your best friend and talk to her like she was your boyfriend. :)

Love,