Question: My boyfriend and I have been together for a little over two years now. Our relationship is great in that we do not fight or have bad arguments. He has introduced me to his family and to his friends and they know me as his girl. But I feel like we are neither here nor there. I’ve given him all the nonverbal hints that I want him to propose to me and even hinted to him that I’m open to living together if it leads to marriage. A couple of my friends suggested I propose to him instead but it’d mean so much more to me if he is the one who proposes.
Also if I propose I’m not sure what he’ll say and I’m scared that he might react badly and we lose what we have. Do you think it’s a good idea for me to propose to him instead? I need some advice. Please help!
Yangki’s Answer: What I think doesn’t really matter. Many women have proposed to men and some are happily married 20 plus years later. It makes very little difference who proposes if two people already are thinking in that direction and are both ready to get married.
What matters here is how you feel about proposing to him whether he says “yes” or “no”. Are you doing it because you are tired of waiting for him to pop the big question or because you truly believe it’s okay for a woman to propose to a man – and it is what you want to do?
If it’s because you’re tired of waiting for the proposal, I suggest that you hold off asking — at least for now. A proposal should make you feel really special and if asking him takes that away or kills the magic moment, it’ll create “disgruntled” feelings which will cause some problems down the road — if he says yes.
So what more can you do short of asking him to marry you?
In my experience in this field, most men and women propose when they come to that point where they feel it’s the right thing to do – assuming your man has no issues with commitment. And sometimes it’s a matter of providing the right inspiration someone needs to make up his mind.
To get what the “right inspiration” is for your individual man, you need to know /understand what his views are on commitment, engagement and marriage, children etc. Find ways to casually bring up a conversation that involves these topics. Don’t do the usual “We need to talk” or “Where is this relationship going?” Those words are guaranteed to send most guys running. Instead weave these topics into conversations about what’s most important to you in a relationship (as opposed to what you look for in a partner), what plans you have for your future (as an individual not couple) etc. Then ask for his input. If he is thinking in the same direction as you, he’ll offer his own views, opinions, plans etc. If he avoids the topic altogether, it may be that he is uncomfortable sharing himself at that level because that’s not the direction he’s thinking or wants to go.
Once you have a fairly accurate assessment of what inspires him, try making steps towards a more serious commitment bit by bit instead of forcing all of it into one single do-or-die moment.
If on the other hand, you’re okay with the idea of a woman to proposing to a man – and it is what you want to do, initiate the conversation about taking things to the next level — especially if you’re sure that’s what he wants too. It’s your life and what you want matters too.
Keep in mind that some men need more than “subtle” hints. Some of the not so subtle hints others have used include:
— “I like what we have and would like to have more experiences with you”
–“I want to get married in two years and start a family. Where do you see yourself in say five years?”
— “I can’t believe (sister/best friend/colleague) is getting married. We’d always thought I’d be the one to get married first”
—Â “How would you feel about us getting engaged next Summer/Christmas/Valentine’s day?”
Bottom line, you can’t make anyone do what they already don’t want to do, but you can inspire/help someone do what they were already thinking of doing – and do it sooner. Who knows may be he’s just waiting for the right moment.
I really hope it happens for you, but in the meantime enjoy your relationship and make the most of what love has to offer.
Give him an ultimatum. Worked for my sister and she’s been married 2 years now.
I like The Love Doctor’s Answer. I too think if anything you have to gently encourage him and whatever happens happens.
I admit I judge people when I hear a woman proposed. It’s more romantic if a man proposes. A woman doing the asking shows she’s desperate. Also there is no way I’m going to live with a guy without ever getting married. It’s a superficial thing but the ring, wedding, title and everything that comes with marriage matters to me and so many women.
I admire you candidness but you know as they say, one man’s meat is another man’s poison… or should I say one woman’s meat… 🙂
First it was “propose or I’m leaving”.
Then it was, “set a date or I’m leaving”.
Finally it was, “impregnate me or I’m leaving”. He did.
Oh and she still thinks the ultimatum worked.
Very well stated. As long as she knows it’ll someday happen, you just want to do it right, I think you’ll be okay — both of you.
She has put me on a time line of a year to get married or lose her. I want to be with her but I want to do things right. So I’ve told her that marriage is not all about one person and if she can’t wait then it’s not going to work.
Guys just don’t react well to being pressured. I gave my boyfriend an ultimatum and ended up breaking up with him because he still wasn’t ready. Now six months later, I’m still trying to get him back. Dating other guys made me realize how good I had with him. I’ll do anything to get him back.
I disagree with the answer to this question. You do not have to tip-toe around the situation. This is your life too and some guys just need a bat on the head to get motivated. No more hints, what you need is shock him. Give him a deadline and if he calls you bluff and does not propose, move on. There is someone out there for you who will propose and marry you. Fish or cut bait.
Popeye, I know a lot of women who gave a deadline and the man finally proposed. I also know a lot of women who gave a deadline and he walked. If you give him a deadline and chicken out, how do you expect him to take you seriously on anything else, let alone respect you? It comes down to what one is willing to risk. The lady who asked this question obviously is uncomfortable with “deadlines”. Often times, it’s best to follow one’s own instincts.