Thank you to our Guest Contributor Breanna Howell for this wonderful article…
They say women’s instincts are always right, especially when it comes to their men.
However, most men are really good at “surprises”. He could be planning the sweetest proposal for you and you don’t have a single clue.
Still, a proposal isn’t something that just pops out from nowhere. When a man is ready to propose, it means that he has thought deeply about it. It means he knows what lies ahead and is 100% sure about it.
Whether your boyfriend is acting strange lately or you’re wondering if he’s on the way to proposing to you, these 8 signs will make you stop guessing.
He’s Cutting Costs
Is his spending habits shifting more on the “thrifty” side? If yes, he could be saving for something big and permanent.
Proposing to a girl is not only a risky endeavor. It’s also a costly one. According to a 2017 survey, Australians spend, on average, $6,000 on engagement rings. If he’s planning a more unique proposal (such as a destination proposal or a helicopter ride), the more money he needs.
Of course, after the engagement, more expenses are on their way as you tackle wedding preparations.
So, if your partner has become more frugal these days, think of it as a sign that he’s headed to a more stable, life-changing investment with you.
He’s On The “We” Channel
A guy who is ready to settle down thinks of himself and his partner as “one”. If he starts talking about things you both love, enjoy doing, or like to try together, it’s a classic sign that he’s ready to propose.
When he refers to you as “we”, it’s like saying you are an inseparable part of him. Pay attention to him when he talks with friends or family. If he addresses people like “We love to come” even though the invite might just be for him, it’s a sweet gesture that he is so committed to your relationship.
It only means he can’t picture himself without you. How romantic is that?!
You Find Him Snooping Around Your Jewelry Box
Most guys know nothing about engagement rings. So don’t be surprised if you find him snooping around your jewelry box. It’s how he figures out the type of jewelry you like. And more importantly, to know your correct ring size! He might even seek help from your family or friends.
A guy proposing will more likely keep the whole thing confidential to surprise his girl. But his moves will always leave a trace. So watch out. If he appears to be mindful when you’re putting on your accessories or has suddenly become interested in your blings, he’s most probably on the hunt for the perfect engagement ring!
He Says Goodbye to Bachelor Activities
Does he prefer staying in your place on weekends rather than going out with his friends? Is he more into cooking and cleaning lately than binging on Netflix or some video games?
A mature guy who’s ready to take your relationship to the next level is less interested in bachelor activities. Rather, he is more into serious things that he knows will set the foundation of a happy and strong marriage.
Maybe he started thinking about investing, setting up an emergency savings account, or a better job option… all things that you’d most likely hear from a family man.
He Asks Indirect Questions
Every man will want to gauge his partner’s response to his proposal. Thus, he could throw silly questions like “Are you ready to get married?” or joke about these things.
He could even ask you about the style of rings you want, like if you prefer classic engagement ring designs or want something modern and unique. He’ll definitely throw these questions in a way that you won’t notice it’s actually about his proposal.
Maybe you’re watching a movie together and a man pops up a ring, he could take advantage of the moment and jokingly ask what ring you’d want. Or if you spot him wandering through the jewelry section, he could be scouting on engagement rings already.
He Wants to Talk About the Future
Does he sometimes ask you “what if?” questions? For example, what if he wants to move to another country, would you go? While it may seem like he just wants to know you more, these questions often have a deeper meaning.
If your guy starts talking about your future together, like how you’d both want to raise kids, where you want to settle down, what the setup will be once you get married, he could be proposing anytime soon.
Another sign that he’s really into you is when he seeks your advice on things that matter on the big scale, such as his dreams, frustrations, and so on. It only means he wants you to be part of his future.
He Starts to Listen to Your Dream Proposal
If he suddenly became interested to know about your dream proposal, you know what it means. He could be asking you questions directly or indirectly, or maybe through your best friend, cousin, sibling, or anyone super close to you.
Every man wants to propose in a way that their girlfriend will absolutely love. Thus, he wants to make sure he’s cooking up a nice plan, something you will remember and cherish for the years to come.
He Plans a Surprise Romantic Outing
Traveling presents a perfect opportunity for men to propose. If you normally go on vacation with friends but this time he asked that you travel with him alone, he could be carrying an engagement ring on your way to your destination. Many couples choose destination proposals because they think it is romantic.
Alternately, he could ask you out for a date at a fancy restaurant. In most cases, guys will conceal the proposal behind a birthday or anniversary date. If he began acting cheesy yet anxious for a romantic getaway (whether it’s just in the city or out of town), it’s obvious that he’s planning something.
A Few More Signs
A guy who is ready to propose will most likely demonstrate changes in his behavior, especially if you’ve been dating for several years already. As he tries to plan things secretly, he might act like he’s busy with something that he tends to ignore your messages or requests.
As the proposal day approaches, he’ll probably act a lot weirder. Proposing can cause most guys to be anxious. There are many ways to read his behavior. You might have figured it out in advance, or have a sudden “aha”.
Getting engaged is one of the most beautiful moments for every couple. It’s the day that a guy promises to love you for the rest of his life. And as you say “yes” to the ultimate question, you also return that promise to love him back.
For some guys, proposing is easy as one, two, and three. For others, it can be a tough challenge. Some guys only need a few months to decide that it’s time to pop the ring. Others take years.
You’ll be equally surprised, shocked, and emotional as you figure out what he’s been up to lately. And it’ll be the best feeling ever!