Ladies, let’s talk. If you’ve ever found yourself lost in a Pinterest black hole titled “Engagement Ring Inspo,” practicing your future signature with his last name (just for research purposes, obviously), or dodging Aunt Linda’s relentless “So when is he proposing?” interrogation at every family gathering, congratulations! You’re in the pre-engagement purgatory.
It’s a weird place, isn’t it? You’re not technically engaged, but you know it’s coming. The subtle hints, the way he twitches every time you casually mention your ring size, or that one time he quickly switched browser tabs when you walked in the room. (Buddy, we saw the Tiffany’s website, and we respect the effort.)
But before you officially level up to fiancée status, let’s talk about how to become your best self. Not for him. Not for the ‘Gram. But for you, because the glow-up is real, and you deserve it.
1. Master the Art of the Nonchalant Proposal Face
You don’t want to ruin the moment by screaming, “FINALLY!” before he even gets the ring out. Practice your best I’m totally surprised expression in the mirror. Think Oscar-worthy acting mixed with a touch of grace, like you didn’t totally know this was coming even though your nails have been perfectly manicured for three months straight.
2. Break Up with Pinterest (Just for a Bit)
We know, we know. Your secret “Dream Wedding” board is thriving. But before you send him a PowerPoint deck titled Engagement Aesthetic Vibes, take a step back. Give yourself time to just be, without micromanaging every single romantic moment before it happens.
3. Get Your Finances in Order (Because, Surprise, Weddings Are Expensive)
You know what’s sexier than a five-carat diamond? Financial stability. Start getting your savings in check so you don’t have to fake excitement over a courthouse wedding when the reality is you wanted a floral installation that rivals the Rose Parade.
4. Develop an Answer to “When’s the Wedding?”
Spoiler alert: The moment you say “yes,” everyone suddenly thinks they’re your wedding planner. Have a go-to response ready, like: “We’re just soaking in the engagement right now!” or “I don’t know, Brenda, when’s your retirement party?” (Okay, maybe don’t say the last one, but you get the idea.)
5. Find a Signature Look
Engagement glow-ups are real, and you want to feel your best, not just “Instagram best.” Find a skincare routine that makes you shine, test out a hairstyle that feels like you, and if you want to suddenly become a hat person, now’s the time.
6. Strengthen Your Friendships (Because You’ll Need Them)
Your friends will be your emotional support crew through all the wedding chaos, so now’s the time to nurture those relationships. Bonus: They’ll be the ones keeping you from going full Bridezilla when your cousin suggests a bachelorette trip to a cabin in the woods instead of Miami.
7. Train for the Proposal Photos
There will be photos. Whether it’s a hidden photographer or just your mom snapping blurry iPhone pics, make sure your ring-hand pose is strong. You don’t want to be out here with stiff fingers or worse, chipped polish.
8. Set Boundaries with In-Laws (Before It’s Too Late)
If his mom has already mentioned wanting a say in the wedding colors, now is the time to start practicing your polite-but-firm boundaries. Something like: “That’s such a sweet idea! I’ll definitely consider it!” (Translation: Not in a million years, Sharon.)
9. Decide How Extra You Want to Be About the Announcement
Some girls want a full-on cinematic engagement shoot, while others prefer a casual “He put a ring on it” Instagram story. Decide your vibe now so you’re not panicking over captions like “I said yes!!!” vs. “About time, am I right?”
10. Enjoy the Moment, Seriously
Yes, the wedding is coming. Yes, the planning is about to begin. But don’t forget to actually enjoy this part. The part where you’re about to get engaged and life feels magical and exciting and full of possibility.
So breathe, laugh, and when the moment finally happens, let yourself be happy without worrying if your left hand is at the perfect angle.
What about you? What’s been your funniest or most relatable pre-engagement struggle? Drop it in the comments, we need to laugh together!