Popping the Question: Obvious Advice
I have a little advice for guys who are going to pop the question: spend a little time planning out how you’re going to ask her that monumental question.
Gee…that’s original.
I guess that’s not the most original piece of advice you’ll ever get…but we hear from far too many women that the actual moment of truth…the proposal…was…well…lame.
It’s kind of a shame too because we know how much thought and anxiety goes into getting the “right” ring. (Hopefully we relieve some of the anxiety though.) The ring is absolutely an important part of the engagement ritual…but just like any life altering event presentation is key. In short…you have one shot here…don’t blow it.
Here’s some good old-fashioned free advice from yours truly. I’ve seen what not to do…and what works…and I’m passing some of it to you here.
Timing is Everything.
Make sure she is able to completely focus on what you’re doing and saying and that your timing lends itself to the gravity of the situation. In other words, don’t pop the question when she’s stepping out of the shower or doing the laundry.
Say What You Mean to Say.
Don’t wing your proposal. Set aside a little time to figure out in detail what you want to say. Contrary to popular man-code there is nothing fruity about actually speaking the things that are in your heart…especially when you’re down on one knee. Don’t over do it though. Be yourself and remember…less is more. (Translation: don’t ramble. Say what you mean to say and be done.)
Don’t Be Stupid.
We have heard some doozies when it comes to proposals and many of them fall under the “what were you thinking?” category. (Like the guy who tied a ring onto a rock and threw it through a window.)
Find a trusted friend and bounce your ideas off him or her. Real friends don’t sugar coat their opinions and for something as important as this honest remarks are exactly what you need.
If you don’t feel comfortable asking a friend, PLEASE ask us. We’ll give you our honest opinion too. We want you to look good.
That’s It?
Yep…that’s it. Three small bits of advice that will make a big difference when it comes time to propose.
You’ll notice I didn’t talk about renting out a stadium…or a line of billboards…or a skywriter…none of that. Those things can be cool…but if you’re presentation stinks then it doesn’t matter what lengths you’ve gone to…it will be an awkward memory for both of you. Like I said…you have one shot here…don’t blow it. (No pressure there!)
2 Responses to “Popping the Question: Obvious Advice”
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Koehn
Where to Get Engaged
Andy –
I kind of agree. Mike will probably kill me for this – but we have laughed about it. We were in the Bahamas – one of the first nights we sat in a hammock, just the two of us – talking. In retrospect, that should (in a romance movie sort of thing) have been the perfect moment. He went with the more traditional dinner thing…. It was great!, except that he was trying to ask me to marry him the same time the waiter was asking me if I wanted some coffee….I ended up saying yes (to both) later, we had a musician play(and choose) a song to dance to…he picked Elvis, Only Fools Fall in Love. We later got married on April Fools Day. I guess what I am saying is — Guys, think about it, plan it, and if it doesn’t go exactly as planned (a violin player gets sick, the restaurant looses your reservation) make it about the two of you – and a little laughter never hurts
What a great story…and really, really good follow up advice. “If it doesn’t go exactly as planned…make it about the two of you…and a little laughter never hurts.” Love it. Thanks, Robin!