How Should I Propose to My Girlfriend? the All-Important Question

How should I propose to my girlfriend? You've probably asked yourself that question a lot of times and racked your brain for creative ways to ask your girlfriend to marry you. What makes the question even harder is that every girl's dream proposal is different. In truth, there is no single solution that fits every girl, so pick one that is just right for your girlfriend.

This is actually the hardest part, as far as you're concerned. Once you're engaged, your girlfriend will probably happily take care of most of the wedding arrangements. But figuring out your strategy for proposing is all on you. It's a lot of stress and you're sure to be nervous on the day that you decide to pop the question. Just remember to be calm and know that even if the proposal doesn't go exactly as planned, at the end of it all you'll be engaged to the girl of your dreams.

Think about your dating situation. How long have you been together? Have you dropped hints that you are going to propose already, or will it be a complete surprise to her? Another thing to consider is your girlfriend's personality. Is she outdoorsy or bookish? Feminine or tomboyish? All of these will factor into your decision about the "right" way to propose.

Another thing to consider is whether you want to propose while people are present or when the two of you are alone. It depends on the couple. Some very confident guys can propose to their girlfriends at her family reunion with everyone looking on... but it can be really awkward if she doesn't enthusiastically scream "yes" or if she is a very shy girl that is embarrassed by everyone in the room staring at her. In fact, a very shy girl may dislike being proposed to in a restaurant full of strangers, and may prefer to be alone with just you.

If you're still stuck for ideas, one place to start brainstorming is to think about places, activities, foods, or even dates on the calendar that are special to you and your girlfriend. Maybe cooking her favorite dish and hiding the ring inside, or proposing at the site where you first met would be a nice idea.

Or maybe not - you know your girlfriend best, so go with your gut. Nobody knows your girlfriend like you do, so consider these ideas but at the end of the day choose what you feel she would love the best.