Ladies, let’s talk. If you’ve been subtly (or not-so-subtly) dropping hints about ring styles, obsessively curating your Pinterest wedding board (which, let’s be honest, has existed since 2013), or expertly dodging family questions about “when it’s happening,” this post is for you.
Waiting for a proposal is like being on hold with customer service, you know something is happening behind the scenes, but you have no idea when it’ll be your turn. And while you may have already picked out the Instagram caption for the big announcement (“Forever starts now” or “I said yes!” with a strategic sparkle emoji), how do you know your partner is actually ready to take that next step?
Here are seven hilarious yet real signs that they’re all in, before they even get down on one knee.
1. They’ve Started Using “We” Like It’s Their Favorite Pronoun
If your partner has smoothly transitioned from “I” to “we” in casual conversation (“We should get a dog” or “We should probably start saving for a house”), congratulations, you’ve been upgraded to the life partner tier. This isn’t just a vocabulary choice; it’s a mindset shift. If they’re thinking in duos, they’re planning for the long haul.
2. They Survive, and Even Thrive, During Family Gatherings
Nothing tests a partner’s commitment like a weekend with your extended family. If they willingly engage in conversations about Aunt Linda’s third divorce, or if they don’t flinch when your dad “casually” brings up their job stability, they’re in it to win it. Bonus points if they help clean up after Thanksgiving dinner instead of making a mysterious vanishing act during dishes.
3. They Care About the Little Things (Like Your Favorite Coffee Order)
Does your partner remember that you take your iced latte with oat milk and exactly one pump of vanilla? Do they know that your post-work decompression requires ten minutes of doomscrolling before you can engage in human conversation? These details aren’t just cute, they’re signs of genuine investment in you.
4. They’re Low-Key Future-Proofing Their Life for You
They might not have proposed yet, but if they’re making choices with you in mind, like scouting neighborhoods with good schools (even if kids are years away) or considering job opportunities that won’t move them across the country, then guess what? They’re thinking long-term.
5. They Handle Conflict Like a Grown Adult (Not a Reality TV Contestant)
Engagements are fun, but marriage is real work. If your partner doesn’t storm off mid-argument or try to solve disagreements with one-word texts, you’re onto something good. A fully committed partner knows that discussing feelings isn’t “too much drama” and that “I’m fine” never actually means I’m fine.
6. They’ve Endured, and Passed, the IKEA Test
Nothing reveals a person’s true character like assembling furniture together. If you and your partner have successfully built an IKEA dresser without considering mutual destruction, they’re a keeper. Bonus points if they let you have the last meatball at the IKEA cafeteria.
7. They’re Not Just Waiting for the Big Moments, They Show Up for the Small Ones
It’s easy to be around for birthdays and anniversaries, but do they bring you soup when you’re sick? Do they sit through your passionate 20-minute rant about office drama, nodding at all the right moments? True commitment isn’t just about grand gestures; it’s about being present even when it’s not Instagram-worthy.
So, What’s the Verdict?
If your partner checks most (or all) of these boxes, congrats, they’re all in. That ring is probably just a matter of time. And if they don’t? Well, at least you have your Pinterest wedding board ready for whenever.
Now, spill! What are the funniest, weirdest, or sweetest signs you noticed before getting engaged? Share them in the comments so we can all obsess over the details together!