Ladies, we need to talk. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re in the pre-engagement twilight zone. You know, the phase where you’ve dropped more hints than Taylor Swift drops Easter eggs, your Pinterest wedding board is more meticulously curated than the Louvre, and your family won’t stop side-eyeing your ring finger at every holiday gathering. (No, Aunt Linda, I did not accidentally lose the engagement ring, because I don’t have one yet, THANKS FOR ASKING.)
But before you spiral into an existential crisis over whether he’s really planning a proposal or just really into surprise brunch dates, let’s take a deep breath. You deserve to enjoy this time, not spend it stress-Googling “how to telepathically speed up a proposal.” So, here are seven self-care tips to keep you sane before you officially join the Fiancée Club.
1. Put the Pinterest Board Down (Just for a Minute)
Listen, we all love a good aesthetic, but if you’re spending more time debating napkin folds than enjoying your actual relationship, it’s time for a little Pinterest detox. Step away from the vision board and remind yourself: a wedding is one day, but your love story is forever. Plus, if you’ve planned every detail down to the exact shade of peony pink, you’re low-key setting him up for failure. Let the poor guy have at least some creative input (even if you secretly veto it later).
2. Take a Social Media Chill Pill
Instagram has convinced us that every engagement must involve a hidden photographer, a rented hot-air balloon, and a caption so poetic it belongs in an Emily Dickinson anthology. But real talk? The best proposals aren’t about impressing your followers; they’re about your love story. So if you’re stressing over the “perfect” moment, take a break from the scrolling. (And if your biggest fear is an un-manicured engagement ring photo, girl, book that nail appointment and relax.)
3. Set Boundaries with Well-Meaning But Nosy Relatives
We love our families, but if one more person asks, “Sooo, when’s the big day?” you might actually scream. Instead of letting these questions stress you out, have a prepped response ready. Something like, “You’ll know when I know, but in the meantime, I’m just enjoying life and watching The Bachelor for proposal inspiration.” Bonus: this usually distracts them into a heated debate over the latest season.
4. Indulge in Your Favorite Comfort Rituals
Before you start stress-eating wedding cake samples (prematurely), try self-care that actually helps. Whether it’s a bubble bath with a face mask, a solo trip to Target (because, duh), or a reality TV binge featuring dramatic love stories that aren’t yours, do whatever calms your nerves. Remember: no one’s proposing tonight, so there’s still time to eat chips in bed without judgment.
5. Have a Girls’ Night (Where No One Says the “E” Word)
Let’s be real, your besties love you, but if every hangout turns into an FBI-level investigation of your boyfriend’s potential plans, you’re going to drive yourself (and them) insane. Plan a night where engagement talk is officially banned, just fun, laughter, and maybe a little wine. Okay, a lot of wine.
6. Drop the “What-If” Scenarios
What if he takes too long? What if he picks the wrong ring? What if he proposes in public and I ugly cry in front of strangers?? Girl. Chill. Love isn’t about getting every detail perfect, it’s about the two of you, choosing each other, even if he does pop the question in front of an Olive Garden. (Hey, unlimited breadsticks are romantic.)
7. Trust the Timing (Yes, Even If It’s Annoying)
I get it, waiting is hard. But trust that it’s happening in its own perfect way. Instead of focusing on when, focus on who you’re with and why you love them. Because at the end of the day, the proposal is just the beginning of a lifetime of love (and, okay, occasional debates over thermostat settings).
So, future brides-to-be, take a deep breath and enjoy this moment, yes, even the slightly awkward “is it happening yet?” phase. And if you’ve got a hilarious or cringe pre-proposal story, spill the tea in the comments! Let’s laugh through this together, because trust me, when the moment does come, you’ll wish you’d spent less time stressing and more time enjoying the ride.