Q&A for How to Propose to a Woman

Proposing by text is not a good way to show someone you love them. You should do it in person where you can be intimate and romantic.

If the two of you have a strong, healthy, dedicated relationship, then there's absolutely nothing wrong with marrying a woman (or man!) who's older than you.

Yes, many people get engaged and wait to get married until they feel absolutely ready.

It is old fashioned, but it is classic. It will never go out of style. However, do what makes you the most comfortable. At the end of the day, she will mostly remember that the man that she loves has just proposed to her.

Certainly not. It's not your age that matters, it's your commitment to the person you want to marry.

Yes, that would be the appropriate way to approach a decision that affects both of you for the next three to seven decades of your lives. But the downside is that when a woman asks for some time, it may mean that she is unsure and not ready for such a commitment; you'll just have to live with that.

Of course! Once you've reached the legal age for marrying, it's all a matter of the couple's happiness and commitment to each other. Getting married young can allow you the peace and contentment of getting on with other things in your life thanks to the stability of your marriage.

In the UK, you can get married at 16 (with your parents' permission). In the US, it is legal to wed at 18 years of age. For other countries, there may be variations depending on your national or local laws, so be sure to check at the marriage registrar's office (or equivalent).

Yes, as long as it does not matter to you two.

If she's just a friend, and you don't know if she has romantic feelings for you, you should just ask her out on a date first. It's pretty sudden to go from friendship to a marriage proposal. Take things a little slower.

Your proposal should be personal, so do whatever feels right for you and your lady.

Yes.

If she says no, then give it as a gift or sell it or hold onto it. It is up to you.

Many wedding dress companies make dresses for the pregnant, search 'pregnant wedding dresses' and it should bring up several companies. It would be a good idea not to wear high heels (a woman's feet are more tender in pregnancy) but apart from that, the wedding can take place as normal. People aren't judgmental as they once were about pregnant brides but don't be surprised if one or two of your more traditional family members act superior around you, just ignore them as times have moved on. And remember to skip alcohol!

It depends on the kind of boat. If it's a ferry you want to propose on, that is a good idea. Try doing it during the evening at sunset, a gorgeous backdrop will help your chances. However, if it is a rowboat you are talking about, that might not be the best idea as they are not very spacious and can easily tip over. You could also end up losing the ring, which is not the kind of memory you'd want to create!

An engagement ring is given to the woman when the man proposes. Wedding rings are exchanged during the wedding ceremony. A woman's engagement ring is usually worn with her wedding ring after the wedding.

Popping the question during a picnic in the woods is an old time classic that gives you a good chance of getting a yes. As for rings, try an antique ring featuring a diamond baguette-cut, like the one Audrey Hepburn wore (look for images online).

Yes, but make sure the ring is clearly visible so she won't accidentally ingest it. (For example, putting the ring in a dark chocolate martini might not be a good idea.)

You may bend down on whichever knee is most comfy. Both are appropriate.

Many men don't get a ring, but if you would like one, go for it. It's becoming more commonplace now for a guy to have an engagement ring as well as his partner.

Age and race don't matter as long as you love each other.

Regardless of whether you do or not want to spend your life with her, if it's a no for her, the end result is no. You can of course give her time to see if something grows, but at this point, that seems unlikely.

If she rejects the proposal, pick a time to talk things out with her privately. She may be uncertain about spending her future with you, or she may just not be ready for marriage yet. Consider asking her about her feelings and where she sees the relationship heading from this point. Even if the relationship is hanging by a thread, it's worth having a conversation – until you fully understanding her perspective, you won't know what to do next.

Maybe in about five years when you are older and more mature. Your current relationship is illegal in many places because you are not yet considered an adult. It is very easy for an older man to take advantage of a younger girl. However, if you're still together when you're in your 20s-30s, then you'll be more on equal footing.

These days, it is perfectly acceptable for a woman to propose to her partner!

There is an explicit order to this: you get down on your knee, as you are asking your question; at the same time, present her with the ring. After she says yes, and only after, then you can put the ring on her finger. Do not do it before she has replied, because she must have an independent opinion as to that question. Doing it while you ask indicates you don't care about her opinion. As a final note, the general rule for proposals is: don't ask the question unless you're sure the answer is yes.

Perhaps if she's with another guy, she has made up her own mind? She is free to choose whomever she wants, and if her choice was someone other than you, perhaps that is a strong signal to respect her choice. Also, the fear of losing someone is not a good reason to be with that someone. If you don't feel madly in love, with a burning passion that will never let anything stand in its way, well...

An "open marriage" generally means that while two people are married to each other, they are free to engage in sex (or sometimes even dating) with other people. The exact terms are usually decided on by the couple prior to either of them seeing anyone else. For example, some couples are free to do anything with anyone at any time as long as they're safe about it, and others prefer to have things scheduled and discussed beforehand.

You can, but that's exceptionally young, and you can't get married at that age in most places. In most parts of the US, the minimum age to get married is 16 with parental consent or 18 without parental consent.

I would not recommend making a marriage proposal at her work. Instead, create some alone time in a romantic setting or a place you know she likes. Never propose unless you're certain she will accept. That said, sure, you can give her a love letter at work, but do not propose in writing; use the letter as part of your plan for to get her alone for the actual proposal.