So, you’re about to get engaged. First of all, congratulations! Second of all, take a deep breath. No, seriously, drop the Pinterest board for a second. We know you’ve spent the last five years curating a wedding aesthetic so specific that it rivals a Wes Anderson film, but let’s talk about engagement myths before you lose sleep over ring shapes and proposal flash mobs.
You’ve probably already dodged approximately 27,000 “When is he proposing?” questions at family gatherings, subtly directed your partner toward your preferred ring style (because communication), and mentally drafted your Instagram caption. But before you spiral into the abyss of societal pressure, let’s debunk some of the most ridiculous myths about getting engaged.
1. The Proposal Must Be an Elaborate Spectacle
Unless you’ve always dreamed of skydiving into a flash mob while a drone spells out “Will You Marry Me?” in the sky, you do not need an over-the-top proposal. A heartfelt, intimate moment is just as special, plus, no one accidentally sprains an ankle.
2. Your Ring Has to Be Huge (or Else…)
Somewhere along the way, society decided a ring should be the size of a small planet. But guess what? A smaller, more practical ring is not a sign of a doomed marriage. Diamonds are forever, but so are student loans. Priorities.
3. You Need to Have the Perfect “Just Engaged” Instagram Post
Ah yes, the pressure to craft a caption so witty and heartwarming that it belongs in a rom-com. “I said yes!” “Forever starts now!” Cue deep existential crisis. The truth? No one is judging your caption as much as you think. Just post the picture, and let people obsess over the ring zoom-ins.
4. You Must Immediately Start Wedding Planning
The second you get engaged, everyone suddenly becomes your wedding planner. “Have you set a date?” “What’s your theme?” “Did you book the venue yet?” Meanwhile, you’re still processing the fact that you have a fiancé. Take your time, your only job right now is to bask in the glow of engagement (and maybe admire your ring in different lighting for fun).
5. You Have to Lose Weight for the Wedding
Somewhere in the Engagement Rulebook (written by who, exactly?), there’s an unspoken expectation to start an extreme bridal boot camp. PSA: You don’t need to shrink to deserve a magical wedding. If you want to feel stronger or healthier, go for it, but there is no “perfect” bridal body, just your body, in a fabulous dress.
6. You Must Love Your Future In-Laws Instantly
Listen, we all want a fairy-tale relationship with the in-laws, but if your future MIL already has strong opinions on your wedding colors, it’s okay to feel… feelings. Respect and boundaries are the real goals, instant BFF status is just a bonus.
7. Your Fiancé Should Have Known Exactly What Ring You Wanted Without Help
Yes, some partners magically get it right, but others need hints, or, you know, an actual Pinterest board handed to them. If your ring isn’t your dream choice, remember: the love behind it matters more than the carats. (And resizing exists!)
8. Every Couple Should Be on the Same “Engagement Timeline”
Your coworker got engaged after six months, while your cousin dated for ten years before the proposal? Cool. Every relationship moves at its own speed, there is no universal timeline, only what works for you.
9. Your Wedding Has to Be Bigger and Better Than Everyone Else’s
We’ve somehow turned weddings into an Olympic event, with people competing for the best theme, dress, and menu. Remember: Your wedding is about celebrating your love, not impressing your second cousin’s ex-boyfriend who somehow made the guest list.
10. Cold Feet Means You Shouldn’t Get Married
Having a moment of doubt doesn’t mean your relationship is doomed. Marriage is a big deal, and it’s normal to freak out a little. The key is recognizing the difference between cold feet and actual red flags. One is nerves, the other is a sign to reevaluate.
11. This Is the Happiest Time of Your Life (So You Must Be Happy All the Time)
Engagement is exciting, but it also comes with stress, weird family dynamics, and decision fatigue. You don’t have to be floating on cloud nine 24/7. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing engagement “wrong.”
Final Thoughts (and a Call to Spill the Tea)
Now that we’ve shattered these engagement myths, here’s your reminder to enjoy the moment your way. Whether you’re planning a grand wedding or eloping in secret, the only real rule is to do what makes you both happy.
And now, we want to hear your engagement myths, hilarious proposal stories, or the most absurd wedding advice you’ve ever received. Drop them in the comments, because if there’s one thing engaged girls need, it’s a solid support group (and maybe a glass of wine). Cheers!