Are you planning to make a Valentine’s Day proposal gentleman? Well, according to recent research, Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year – and the most likely day for a marriage proposal.
With hearts everywhere and Cupid's bows shooting from every direction, February 14th may seem like the perfect day pop to the question. But is it a good idea or not?
Pros and Cons of Valentine's Day Proposals
Pro: It's the most romantic day of the year.
You've always adored Valentine's Day, known the world over as a day of love and romance. For him to propose on such a meaningful day makes you love him even more.
Con: It's everyone else's day of love, too.
If he proposed on, say, April 3rd, you'd pretty much have the day-and the attention-all to yourself. But on February 14th, you're one of many celebrating an engagement or marriage.
Pro: He's going all out.
It's the stuff of dreams-an upscale eatery, a cozy table in the corner, candlelight, soft music, the most beautiful ring you've ever seen lolling about in a champagne glass, and him on one knee. If you love the idea of a big screen-inspired proposal, this is it.
Con: It’ predictable.
There were hints. He insisted you get dressed up to go to dinner. He seems nervous. He's sweating. It's Valentine's Day. Hmmm, what could possibly happen later?
Pro: You Can Draw It Out
A Valentine’s proposal doesn’t mean it can only happen on the day. Plan a weekend or even an entire week around the proposal, hitting up all of your partner’s favourite places or whisking them away on a romantic getaway before finally dropping down on one knee.
Con: Poor Timing
Even though so many couples get engaged on February 14, it isn't the perfect time for everyone. A couple will have a happier relationship if they are sure they are ready to get engaged instead of letting a calendar date dictate that now is the time.
If you're planning on popping the question (or know someone who might need a few tips!), here are some dos and don'ts you might want to keep in mind.
DO: PROPOSE SOMEWHERE MEANINGFUL
Skip that crowded, overpriced restaurant with the Valentine's Day menu and find a location that has actual meaning to you — like where you first kissed.
DON'T: ASSUME EVERYONE WANTS A MASSIVE ROCK
Not everyone thinks a giant diamond is worth the expense, and not everyone likes the way they look. In fact, in a 2016 survey, American Express found that 54 percent of not-married couples were OK with a ring that wasn't a diamond.
DO: KNOW IF YOUR PARTNER'S OK WITH AN AUDIENCE
A surefire way to ruin the mood is to have a ton of people around cheering when your partner would have preferred a quiet setting with just the two of you. Once again, communication is key.
DON'T: SHARE BEFORE TELLING FAMILY AND FRIENDS
It's tempting to want to share that ring pic immediately. But make sure you've told the most important people in your life before you do. Close friends and family might feel hurt if they find out you're engaged via a Instagram post and not from you directly.
DON'T: GET MAD BECAUSE YOU THINK V-DAY IS CLICHÉ
If you think getting engaged on Valentine's Day is cliché...and then your partner, whom you love very much, and whom you'd marry in a heartbeat, pops the question on Valentine's Day, don't be mad about it. You just got engaged.
DO: REMEMBER WHAT GETTING ENGAGED IS ACTUALLY ABOUT
Regardless of when the big event occurs, remember what this is all actually about: getting to spend the rest of your life with the person you love the most. In the end, it doesn't really matter when or how the proposal happened. Just be glad it did.