10 Ways NOT to Propose

Proposing to the love of your life is such an exciting, emotional time. Throughout the course of your marriage, you’ll recount the story of your engagement a hundred times.

All the more reason for your proposal story to be stellar, right? If you think that special guy is going to pop the question sometime soon, you may want to pass this list along so he knows what NOT to do.

1. Never Propose Over the Phone or Through Email!

You weren’t thinking of doing this, were you? If so, don’t! When you propose to someone, they should be able to see the love in your eyes, read the feelings that are written across your face and receive the excitement that is in your touch. This is impossible through a telephone receiver or when they’re staring into a computer screen!

2. Don’t Propose at Someone’s Anniversary Celebration

You’ve probably seen this ‘romantic’ proposal on television, and it probably worked out alright but in reality – it’s not a good idea. An anniversary celebration (whether it’s for your parents, your love’s grandparents or someone else) is about the couple celebrating the anniversary. Don’t steal their day! Make your own day.

3. Limit the Amount of Humor You Use When You Propose

Although some individuals are naturally humorous people – it’s important to keep things mostly serious when proposing. You want your love to know how serious you are and that you absolutely mean everything you say!

4. Don’t Propose at a Funeral

This one probably doesn’t need any more explanation.

5. Never Propose by Putting the Ring in Food

You’ve heard this romantic story before – the ring comes out in the champagne glass or in the plate of spaghetti. While many might think this idea is adorable – what happens if it gets lost? Or even worse, she could choke on it. Plus, your future wife digging through her food in an effort to find treasure isn’t going to make the moment feel that special for her!

6. Don’t Propose at a Sporting Event

If you’re thinking of proposing at half-time of your favorite sporting event, think again! You may or may not have seen the embarrassing videos floating around the internet of rejections which echoed throughout the arena – but it’s really not a safe idea. If you’re rejected, the entire stadium will know and you’ll want to sink into the ground you’re standing on. Keep it simpler.

7. Never Propose via Someone Else

“Jake wants to know if you’ll marry him…check yes or no…and by the way, do you want to go to the skating rink? I’ll have my mom drive us.”

8. Don’t Propose with Vegetable Soup Letters

This one probably doesn’t need any more explanation.

9. You Shouldn’t Propose on Valentine’s Day

Some people think this is a sweet idea, but for most, the idea is a little cliché. Besides, if you do, you’ll have to buy double the presents every single year.

10. Don’t Propose without Your Whole Heart in It

Your future spouse will want to be sure that you’re sure – and rightly so. When you get ready to propose, you should be sure that your entire heart is in that proposal. In fact, you should be surer of this than anything – otherwise, don’t propose!

While your proposal should be unique and special for you and your future spouse, it should also be something the two of you are going to remember as one of the most beautiful moments of your life. By avoiding the above ideas, you’ll have a better chance of making sure your proposal goes smoothly.