If there’s one situation that will turn you into a babbling idiot, it’s definitely proposing to your girlfriend. I mean, let’s be honest, proposing is probably one of the most nerve-racking things you’ll ever do in your entire life. Questions arise in your mind like will she say yes? Or, will she say no? And, if she says yes, do you jump up and down in excitement? Or, if she says no, do you walk away with your head hung low?

All of these questions and all of these thoughts need preparation. And at that, they need adequate preparation so you don’t wet your pants in the process.

That’s what I’m here for. I have a step-by-step guide that outlines what you should do first, second, third, and so on.

So, let me get started and work my way through the guide to help you as best as I can so that you can get that “yes” answer you’re wishing for.

Step-by-Step Guide to Propose

Step 1:

After you’ve decided that you want to spend the rest of your life with this woman, you have to obviously pick out the perfect ring for your future fiancé.

Now, you can do this by yourself and surprise her or you can do this with your partner to be sure she’ll fall in love with the ring. If you know her style to a T and you want to go out and pick the most beautiful ring for your beautiful lady, go do it. Be daring. On the other hand, if you don’t want her to be upset with your choice, and you know your lady is quite fussy, it’s best to bring her with you. Start the engagement out the right way by purchasing the right ring.

Tip: If you do choose to bring her along for the ride to the jewelry shop, at least you’ll pretty much know the answer you’ll get when you ask the question. Then again, surprising her is a lot more emotional and quite thrilling, if you ask me.

Another tip: Keep the receipt just in case you have to do any returning and get the ring insured. Remember, she may not like it, but it also may not fit her. There’s a range of reasons you should adhere to this suggestion.

Step 2:

After you’ve found the perfect ring, you should do right by your girlfriend and ask her parents’ permission, or at least her father’s permission, as this is highly traditional and respectable.

I understand that this tradition has worn away over time, but let me tell you that your partner will admire your decision to speak with her father and/or mother. Doing so will make her admire you more if it’s always been important to her. In other words, some women (like me, for example) like to think that their future fiancé will respect them enough to make sure the parents are okay with the marriage. Chances are, if you’re a stand-up guy, if you’re loved amongst her family, and if you’re deeply in love with her, there’s no way her parents’ will say no to you. So, you have nothing to worry about in this case.

Tip: Ask the father and/or mother to meet you somewhere so that the two of you can handle it as if it were a formal occasion. Also, dress for the occasion. This means don’t show up with sweatpants and a T-shirt. Throw on some nice pants and a casual, yet impressive, sweater. Don’t over-do it, just make sure you prove to them you’re serious about this.

Step 3:

After you’ve obtained a blessing from the parent(s), you’re onto your next step: Finding a location.

If you’d like my suggestion, I would aim to go somewhere that’s intimate and that holds meaning. For example, if the two of you live for a particular beach, it would be a kind gesture to bring her there and pop the question.

The location of the proposal I can’t really help you with all that much. You have to get into that thinking cap of yours and dig out a cherished moment you think the two of you have together. Or, you need to figure out where the proposal will hold meaning (as in what location would be memorable).

Step 4:

After you’ve picked your place to ask the question, “Will you marry me?” it’s time to start rehearsing your speech.

Think about what you want to tell her. Think about your feelings and think about hers. Lead up to the question with great anticipation, and be sure to get it right. Try practicing in front of a mirror; I know it may be a cliché, but it helps many men out.

Tip: Make sure the words are passionate and sincere. You can ask her through a simple speech or you can get creative with it and make the proposal into a poem or a song. The choice is all yours.

Step 5:

After you’ve done all this, here comes the tricky part: Getting your girlfriend to the location without raising suspicion.

Now is when timing becomes key. You either have to meet her there or pick her or up and bring her to the location yourself. Either way, the two of you have to be in the right place at the right time for you to not get nervous and start thinking something has gone wrong.

Suggestions:

1. Try taking her out on a normal date, then pop the question
2. Try having her go out with her friends on a given night, where you surprisingly show up, then pop the question
3. Try sending her on a treasure hunt filled with clues, then be there for the ‘prize’ at the end of the hunt, and pop the question

Step 6:

PROPOSE!

Get down on that knee, say your carefully thought-out speech, and see what her answer is.

If she says yes, stay down on your knees while you slip the ring onto her finger. If she says no, well, that’s up to you to handle.

REMEMBER, this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and the two of you will want to embrace it.

By Jenny Lyn