Alright, ladies, let’s set the scene: You’ve been together for years, you’ve dropped every subtle (and not-so-subtle) hint, and your Pinterest wedding board is so meticulously curated it could be a mood board for a bridal magazine. Meanwhile, your boyfriend? Still out here acting like he has all the time in the world to pop the question. The audacity.
Your family isn’t helping, either. Aunt Karen keeps side-eyeing your ring finger at every holiday dinner, and your mom has developed a sudden interest in engagement ring styles, which she not-so-casually texts you about at 11 p.m. Because nothing says “romantic pressure” like your future mother-in-law asking, “So, do you think he’ll finally do it this year?”
If you’re nodding along while internally screaming, don’t worry. Here are seven things to do while waiting for Mr. Slow-and-Steady to get his act together and propose.
1. Channel Your Inner FBI Agent (But, Like, in a Chill Way)
Instead of grilling him about timelines, subtly investigate. Ask his best friend if he’s been acting suspiciously (men are terrible at keeping secrets), or casually browse a jewelry store together to “admire” some rings. If he starts sweating profusely, you’re onto something.
2. Perfect Your Engagement Instagram Caption in Advance
Look, you don’t want to be caught off guard when the moment finally happens. Are you going for heartfelt? Witty? A Taylor Swift lyric? (“I once believed love would be burning red, but baby, it’s golden like daylight” is a solid choice.) Work on your draft so you’re ready when the ring drops, literally.
3. Get a New Hobby That’s Not “Casually Browsing Wedding Dresses”
Obsessing over proposals is exhausting. Instead of refreshing his search history to see if he’s been looking up “best ways to propose,” pick up a new hobby. Try yoga, baking, or even axe-throwing, you know, for stress relief. (Plus, if he keeps dragging his feet, you’ll have excellent aim.)
4. Make a Bingo Card for Family Gatherings
Every time someone asks, “When’s the big day?” or “Are you two waiting for a sign from the universe?” mark off a square. Bonus points if someone says, “You’re not getting any younger!” (Grandma, why?) First one to Bingo gets to eat an entire charcuterie board alone in the corner.
5. Secretly Plan a “Fake” Wedding Just for Fun
Okay, hear me out: If planning helps relieve stress, go for it! Pick a venue, design a dream dress, and decide whether you’re going to force everyone to do a choreographed dance at the reception. Just, uh, maybe don’t send out Save the Dates just yet.
6. Have an Open, Honest (and Chill) Conversation
All jokes aside, sometimes men genuinely don’t realize how much this matters to you. (Shocking, I know.) If you’re feeling antsy, talk to him! Ask where his head is at and share how you’re feeling without it turning into a full-blown interrogation. “Do you want to marry me, yes or no? Circle one.”
7. Remember: You’re Already Winning
At the end of the day, an engagement is just the next step, not the whole journey. If he’s a great partner, treats you well, and makes you laugh until your stomach hurts, you’re already in a good place. And if he needs a little more time to get there? Well, at least that gives you more time to finalize that wedding Pinterest board.
The Bottom Line
Society loves to make women feel like an engagement is some sort of prize for being the “perfect girlfriend,” but let’s be real, you’re already the prize. So whether you’re dropping hints, playing it cool, or straight-up drafting proposal scripts for him (“And that’s when you say, ‘Will you marry me?’”), just remember: The right guy will get there. And if he doesn’t? Well, there are plenty of fish in the sea, and some of them already have ring shopping in their search history.
Now, tell me: What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve done while waiting for a proposal? Spill the tea in the comments!