When Should a Woman Propose?

Dear Julie, My boyfriend and I have been together for about two years. We’ve talked about getting engaged and to be honest I really thought he was going to propose during the recent holiday season. Julie, if you wanted to get married to your boyfriend and were anxious for him to propose would you ask him yourself? I’m thinking of popping the question but I don’t want him to think I’m stealing his thunder. What do you think? Thanks, Becky

Answer: Hi, Becky, thank you for your question. Let me begin by saying that it is perfectly acceptable in this day and age for a woman to propose to a man. I merely suggest that you think about how he has responded in the past when the two of you talk about marriage. Does he seem very interested and does he talk about long-range plans for the two of you? I ask because you might want some indication of how he feels about getting engaged before you ask. Are you prepared if he says no? Would it mean the end of your relationship, or would you be able to go on dating if he said no? These are things you should think about before you propose. Makes you understand why guys get so nervous about it, doesn’t it? If you think he is going to ask and it will just be a matter of time perhaps you should just wait it out and get the proposal you’ve waited for.