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Updated Aug 17, 20229 Signs Your Partner Is About to Propose
Is your partner acting a little different? It could be a sign of bright bling to come.
Eternal Sight Photography
Their apartment is clean, they're saving money, and the set Thursday night plans with friends has turned into date night with you. Either your partner is coming down with something, or they're planning to pop the question. Read on for more telltale signs they're ready to get down on one knee.
Growing Out of Their Single Ways
You can tell the single days are behind them when their number-one priority is no longer themselves. If they're constantly using terms like "we" and "our," and plans for a weekend with the college group in Vegas are suddenly on the back burner while weekends with you are becoming more common, it's probably not that they're sick of their friends. They may have realized they prefer a more settled lifestyle, and this transition puts them squarely on the path to proposing.
Redecorating
You may notice certain items have disappeared from their pad, like their college posters. And did they ditch that ugly brown chair for something a little nicer? It could be the start of major changes—your partner is making room in their life for you, both physically and emotionally.
Curbing Big Purchases
Has your significant other gone from big spender to big saver? The plasma-screen TV they'd been planning to purchase isn't hanging over the mantel, and instead of buying rounds of drinks at happy hour after work, they're home cooking dinner. They might be eliminating frivolous spending to brace for a large down payment (on your engagement ring).
Not Complaining About Weddings
While at a wedding together, it's more than just the usual eagerness for an open bar. They're not cracking jokes during the vow exchange—instead, they're commenting on the couple's first-dance song choice and the meal selection. Take it as a sign they're paying attention to all things wedding related because marriage is on their mind.
Taking an Interest in Your Jewelry
Have they been complimenting your great ability to accessorize? Snooping around in your jewelry box? Holding your hand—constantly? All kidding aside, when your favorite ring goes missing, you'll know for sure they're trying to find a covert way to figure out your size.
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Wanting to Meet the Parents
Okay, so they've probably already met your parents, but if they haven't and they've suddenly become insistent on meeting them, it's probably for a good reason. Or maybe they already know them well. If they're now the first to RSVP for your nephew's birthday party, or jump at the chance for a weekend visit with your parents, they're ready for the next step.
Talking to Friends and Family Behind Your Back
They're not trying to sneak around but they want to maintain some element of surprise while still giving you your dream proposal. Chances are they're talking to your closest friends to get a better idea of what you might want in a proposal or for your engagement ring. (You better drop some ring hints to your besties too.)
Involving You in Big-Picture Decisions
They may have gotten a job offer they're consulting you about, or they've thought about whether the two of you should move into a more spacious apartment. They're asking you because they value your opinion and realize if a proposal is on the horizon that life choices like these are going to start impacting both of you equally.
Acting Out of Character
You know their daily routine inside and out, and any variation is enough to give you pause. If they're super-insistent you guys do something you never do (like take a walk through a park or drive to a place to watch the sunset), they may be setting you up to say those four little words: "Will you marry me?"
If you've discussed this next step, make things a little easier on your partner and visit our ring gallery to create your very own Hint profile where you can get style recommendations, "favorite" rings and find jewelers near you. When you're ready, drop a hint for them and share your selects.
Want to see what's in your future? Check out How They Asked's most popular proposal stories and get excited for what's to come!
