There are few things more simultaneously exciting and nerve-inducing than proposing. You’re in love and know she’s the one. But you don’t know what the perfect way to ask her to spend forever with you is. We’ve covered some of the best ways to do it on the blog previously, but today we’re going to tell you how not to propose. If you’re thinking about trying one of the following, think again.
Not in Person
You’re likely already aware that this is a no-no, so we probably don’t even need to warn you away from it, but proposing over the phone/text/email is a terrible idea. Additionally, Rant Chic reminds readers that doing it over social media is an equally terrible idea. Seriously, this is arguably the worst possible way to propose. There is zero intimacy involved here, and it’ll be pretty clear that you put zero thought into it, implying that you’re not taking this seriously. We cannot stress this enough: don’t do this.
Reuse a Ring from an Ex
This might be the only other item on this list that rivals the last one in its foolishness. You wouldn’t want to be given something personal that belonged to or was bought for her ex, would you? No, probably not. So why do you think she would want an engagement ring you bought for your ex? Return it if you can, sell it if you can’t. Just don’t reuse it.
Doing It Too Early
The “right” time is different for every relationship, so it’s impossible to make blanket statements about how soon is too soon and how long is waiting too long. That being said, if you’re thinking about proposing after just a couple of months, it’s probably too soon. No girl wants to be left waiting, this is true. But you risk coming off as not taking things seriously enough and really considering the gravity of what you’re proposing if you pop the question too early in the relationship. Give it some time and get to know each other. Make sure you’re both ready before you propose.
Waiting for Her to Do It
These are progressive times we live in, but for most couples, they’re not that progressive. Most women want you to sweep them off their feet with a romantic engagement proposal that shows how much you care and think about them. Maybe your relationship is a little different, and that’s perfectly fine if it is. But don’t wait around for her to propose unless you are (at minimum) 1000 percent positive that that’s what she wants.
Hiding the Ring in Food
You’ve probably seen this done in the movies or on TV shows and thought, “That looks like a great way to propose!” Doubtless, taking your love out to a nice dinner at a favorite restaurant is a wonderful way to set up the proposal. Actually putting the ring into the meal, though? Yeah, that’s usually not the best idea. You’ve probably spent a significant amount of money on a beautiful ring to last a lifetime. The first thing you want to do with it is probably almost anything other than not dunking it in food or drink — especially if it’s her dessert, says The Gloss.
Making a Public Embarrassment
The Richest points out that this is another one that always turns up in the movies, on TV and in jewelry commercials. It always looks great up on the big (or small) screen, doesn’t it? He’s confident. She’s shocked and flattered and is at a loss for words. Crying tears of joy, she says yes and the crowd cheers. Just remember one thing: these people are all paid actors, and your public proposal is almost guaranteed to not go as smoothly as actors’ fake ones have. Aside from being clichéd, the public venue approach also robs your ability to share this special moment between just the two of you. Unless she’s dropped some hints that she wants a public show, keep it personal.
In Front of Her Family
The Richest again points out that this is another TV, movie and diamond commercial classic. But secretly getting the family to show up and surprise her with their presence as you bend a knee and ask the question is usually not quite so romantic in person. It sounds fun, but it’s almost certainly going to embarrass her and end up feeling awkward. Instead, propose in private and secretly plan an engagement party with her family and friends for after the engagement.
Without a Ring
Times might be tough for you right now. It’s understandable – almost everyone experiences some life and/or career moments that sap some of their disposable income and/or ability to finance expensive purchases. For most couples, though, the best thing to do in that situation is to wait. You’ve both surely been looking forward to getting engaged and have made big plans for the future, and you want that future to come now. But The Gloss thinks you should do yourself a favor and wait until you have the ring before popping the question.
Of course, if you really don’t think you can wait any longer, then there is another solution: buy an affordable cubic zirconia engagement ring from Birkat Elyon. Our rings are inexpensive diamond alternatives that look so close to the real thing that even seasoned jewelry experts can have trouble telling them apart. If you want to pop the question now with a gorgeous ring that’s available at a price that’s right for you, shop our collection of cubic zirconia engagement rings today.