So, you think you’ve found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. 
Are you sure about that? I mean, absolutely and positively sure about it? Because if you’re even considering proposing marriage, you had better be certain that your significant other is really “the one.” Otherwise, you could be looking at a divorce years (or even months!) down the line. It is commonly said that the divorce rate in America is 50% (you can check the current stats at http://www.divorcerate.com). Don’t become a statistic. Only propose when you’re sure beyond the shadow of a doubt that you’re ready to commit. If there’s any doubt in your mind that your significant other is the love of your life, stop what you’re doing immediately so you can think long and hard about whether you’re ready for marriage!
Getting engaged is a big deal. It is an important milestone in your relationship that says you are ready to take the big plunge into life as a married couple. It doesn’t necessarily matter how long you have been together (though usually the longer the better), you will know when you are ready. This is one of the most important steps in your relationship and it should not be taken lightly. With that in mind, there are a few things you may want to consider before you decide to pop the question.
1. Do you love your partner? Are you sure they love you?
I know, this seems like a no-brainer but it’s pretty important. Can you really see yourself being with this person for the rest of your natural-born life, no matter what happens? Do you envision yourself building a life with this person?If you answered yes to this question, you’re off to a good start.
2. Are you prepared to say goodbye to your single life…forever?
If you felt even the slightest twinge of doubt upon reading that question, you’re probably not ready to get married, which means you aren’t ready to get engaged. If you feel like you’re going to miss cruising the bars on the weekends to hit on hotties, then you’re not ready for a life-long commitment.
3. Do you feel like you’re rushing into things? Is your significant other pressuring you to propose?
If so, don’t do it! What’s the rush? Wait until you’re ready and you’ll have a lasting relationship. It can be normal to get cold feet to some degree but if you’re constantly obsessing and worrying about engagement then something’s probably not right.If your significant other is pressuring you to propose but you don’t feel like you’re ready, don’t give in! If they truly love you, they’ll be cool with waiting until you’re fully ready to take the plunge.
4. Do you want to get engaged because you can’t wait to party-down at your wedding?
A lot of people dream about having the perfect wedding. However, rushing into marriage just because you can’t wait to have your wedding is a bad idea—a wedding will only last one day, while your marriage is supposed to last a lifetime. If you get into a committed relationship before you’re truly ready for it or you get into one with the wrong person, you’re going to be headed for a rough ride that ends in divorce. If you really want to party, then throw a big party! You don’t need to use a wedding as an excuse to get down with your bad self.
5. Do you think that getting married will solve your relationship problems?
It won’t. In fact it may even make them worse. If you and your partner have some issues to work out, you had better get things resolved well before you actually get engaged.
If you’ve been with your partner for quite awhile, know them extremely well and feel confident that your feelings of wanting to “be together forever” are mutual, you’re probably in a good spot to get engaged. Marriage is supposed to be about building a happy life together so make sure you lay a strong foundation before you decide to build the house.
