7 things to do before popping the big question

You know you want it but you actually don’t know how to get it.

Marriage proposals

This holds true when it comes to asking the person to spend the rest of their life with you.  The emotional hormones are up and it feels like you’re going to explode any moment.  Truly nerve-wracking and all you want to do is to get it done and over with but you have to make it right.

Even in the most stable and steady of all relationships, the uncertainty of saying yes is still the worst fear for men.  Let me just say that we all can propose but the natural cycle of things seem to dictate that it should be the guy who will kneel and ask one of the most nerve-wracking questions of all time.

But then again, to be fair, the following things-to-do are applicable for both men and women.

1. Think 40,000 THOUSAND times.
Well, you don’t have to count but the point is think about it really hard.  Proposing marriage isn’t just like asking them out for a date.  If you have any second thoughts, then ask yourself if you really want it. It would be a total waste of time if after all the hardship and absurd stress level put if at the long run the whole thing will be called off. See the emphasis and the seemingly grammatical error? The stress here is think hard, think really, really hard.

2. Know the size of your partner’s finger.
Now, we’re just talking about the engagement ring here. Think about the wedding ring after your partner says yes.  It is totally embarrassing for the both of you if the ring will not fit your partner’s finger. Truly, it will destroy THE moment. Either you buy a ring or  if it will be passed to you as an heirloom, make sure it fits your partner’s finger. 

3. Meet the parents.
Show your partner’s folks some R-E-S-P-E-C-T and let them know that you want to marry their son or daughter.  If you have known them for a while then the transition is easier but if it’s the first time that you’ll be meeting them, then you have to woo them and actually ask their approval first.  Bottom line, give them the 411.

4. Book the honeymoon spot.
This may seem pretty too early and assuming but the honeymoon is where all the good stuff will happen, right?  And a honeymoon in a luxury destination will be more appealing to your partner for it will make them feel that you’ve really put a LOT on the proposal. And a luxury destination does spell a lot. 

5. Decide where, when and how.
This is where you will exhaust all your creative and romantic juices.  Orchestrating a proposal requires research  and pulling a few strings to make the moment perfect.  Ask your friends, read, go online and ultimately, go for your guts, You know your partner therefore you know what will make them yes. These three quintessential questions are the hardest and will test your capabilities.

Now that the worst part is over, you have the ring, the folks appear thrilled, you’ve book the luxurious honeymoon spot and you know what to do, here are the things you have to 48 hours before showtime.

6. Go for a DIY ambush makeover

This might seem vain but it will never hurt if you look good when you bring in the fireworks, so to speak.  Get a massage, get a haircut, buy new clothes, have your teeth cleaned by your dentist, clean your nails, do the works.

7. Role play the scene.
Practice proposing with a close friend. May sound over the top, but, you don’t have to memorize the lines. You have a  plan, and role-playing is a way to go over it. To make it more realistic, put on costumes or some props just to get the vibe. It can be fun too. It’ll take the stress off and lighten up your senses. 

There’s a reason why asking your partner’s hand in marriage is a big question.  It is a commitment to love and understand each other in spite of your weaknesses.  There will come a time when you’re married that you’ll not be able to stand each other so decide now if you want that day to come.