Things to Consider when Proposing Marriage to Your Girlfriend

Let's face it. Men are not the smartest creatures. We are just one genetic level away from eating bananas and being on display at a zoo, so when it comes to a romantic topic such as proposing marriage then we need a little help. We are the football species, known best for chugging down Busch light, thinking of pet names for our body parts, and peeing on the toilet seat. Romance is not our thing. That's when Dr. Ben comes in. Just follow these instructions on things to consider when proposing to your girlfriend and you should make it out okay.

The first thing we need to accept is women are different from us. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Growing up, when most women were little girls they envision their wedding proposal, the wedding, and a life full of happiness. Men as boys typically think about playing basketball, getting dirty, and fighting over who has the better GI Joe figure. But for once, on this one night, men and women need to be on the same page to create that magical moment. What I'm saying here to you men is to start thinking like women. Now I'm not asking you to put on a dress, I'm simply saying you need to get more in touch with your feminine side. If it were completely up to you then you'd just propose on Football Sunday during halftime of a game with a bag of onion rings and a six pack of beer as your intimate setting. Don't make that mistake.

Once you've connected with your romantic side, start thinking about location. Now, every person has the dream of getting engaged in front of a thousand people in a beautiful setting. My advice to you is, unless she has specifically said otherwise, make it an intimate and personal affair. Most soon to be brides would prefer that it's just the two of you to share in the moment.

Also, use common sense if you're planning a surprise location for the ring. I once heard a horror story where a man and his girlfriend went out on the boat for an afternoon of fishing. The man tied the engagement ring to the end of his fishing line and when he was ready to propose he reeled the line up and the ring on the other end was missing. Don't do that. I would never recommend putting it in food or beverage either. You could end up in the hospital or your bride to be could spend that romantic night at the dentist office. You don't want to do that.

It's always a nice idea to talk to her parents before you do the deed. Gone are the days where marriages are arranged, but there's still an element of respect and class when you talk with her parents about putting that ring around her finger. Put yourself in their shoes. If she was your only daughter, wouldn't you want the courtesy of knowing someone was going to ask their hand in marriage?

Guys, listen to me. Don't propose in front of her family. Not a great idea. First of all, don't make things any harder on yourself. Proposing in front of her family only adds stress to the situation, and most of the time it will come out awkward and forced. You want to be natural. Don't worry, you can call everyone afterward and share the great news.

Though you want to make the proposal memorable, don't go overboard with the planning process. Use Murphy's Law as the rule to live by. If something can go wrong, it will. Keep focused on the main goal. You want to get engaged, not make it a disaster. If you're planning on popping the question at the beach, you always run the risk of rain coming down and ruining everything. If you're planning a picnic at the lake you run the risk of the wind being heavy and blowing your nice spread away. If you're doing a hot air balloon ride then make sure she's not afraid of heights. Again, just always make sure you have a back up plan, or your proposal idea is full proof.

Guys. Guys. Guys. Don't propose too early in a relationship. We're talking about a lifetime decision here. I know when a relationship is young, the sex is great, and you couldn't be happier then you're feeling a rush of emotions. Give it some time. Your feelings could be at a much more advanced level than your girlfriend and by proposing it could make for a very sticky situation, perhaps devastating. However, you do want to find a way every now and then prior to proposing to talk about the subject of marriage with her just to see where she stands.

Don't just utter the four words. Make sure you pick a very personal spot to do it, and before you propose tell her why you want to marry her. This is your moment. Remember, gentlemen, we want the tears. Though the proposal itself is enough for her to cry, taking the extra step to say a few kind words will just add to the intensity of the situation. This is your chance to be Romeo.

My last piece of advice is to use the drop-to-one-knee approach. It's a traditional thing to do. Otherwise, it looks like you're just handing the ring over like it's a piece of candy or something. Going back to what I said earlier, women have an idea in their head about what a proposal is like and by not dropping to a knee you're automatically taking away from her dream. Just do it.

Good luck, gentlemen. This is your chance to be Romeo. Don't screw it up.