Is He Ready to Pop the Question?

Contrary to popular belief, most guys do want to get married... eventually!

If you willingly talk to your girlfriend about buying a house, having kids or any such future plans, then it's time you proposed!

It may take us longer to recognise the symptoms of 'marriageitis', but it's there nonetheless. Sharing our lives with one person, having a steady sex partner for life and the possibility of children crosses our minds. So men, while you're chewing on that, take a look at the things that should alert you to the fact that you might want to finally get married...

If you are searching for some refreshing and new ideas on dating, gift giving and celebrating your love every day, then The RoMANtic’s Guide is the book for you. It contains hundreds of notoriously clever and whimsical ideas on expressing love as well as contributions from romantics all over the world.

You Want to Settle Down

Feeling like the pace of single life is too hectic? Do you look at your single friends as if they're all just running around pointlessly from party to party with no greater ambition than finding their next find? More importantly, have you caught youself contemplating whether there's something more? There is, and your gut tells you the answer lies with your girlfriend. This is a tell-tale indicator that you're well on your way to accepting the inevitable... marriage.

You Want to Experience Life With Her

And now that you have been together for a while, you begin to realise that she's someone very special. Whenever you go out of town on business, you wish she could be there with you. Conversely, when she's away, it hits you that you can't wait for her to get back. In other words, you've reached a point where you cannot picture her leaving your life, ever.

You Love Her Quirks

Whether it was a constant need for shopping sprees or leaving her hair all over your bathroom, there was always something you could not tolerate about your exex - but not with this one. The way she teases you playfully or makes fun of your habits, is all good. This is a clear indication of how much you've come to appreciate her character.

You Already Know What Ring to Buy Her

So you've started looking at diamonds and rings? Surely this must mean that you've been paying some attention to your lady's hints and want the ring to reflect your commitment to her.

Will You Marry Me? If your head and your heart have been giving off these signals, you're ready to ask your lady to marry you. And don't think she hasn't noticed the change in your demeanour. Women are intuitive - any out-of-the-ordinary behavior would have been duly noted by her radar. But she's probably happily awaiting your 'surprise'. Your journey down life's shared road is only four words away. Go make the love of your life the happiest woman in the world.

You Consider Her Family Your Own

You've met her parents and she's met yours. You've attended holidays, birthdays and even the occasional tragedy together with her family. As they have embraced you as someone important in your girlfriend's life, so too have you come to care for them more than any other group of people.

You Think About the Wedding

It's all becoming an exciting prospect to you, this idea of marriage. The fact that it doesn't scare you is remarkable. But more amazingly, you realise that you can spin a tonne of positives out of it, like the wedding party will be a blast and you'll celebrate, drink and dance at your reception with friends you haven't seen in quite a while.

You Start to Sacrifice Financially

You realise that you'll need to give up some luxuries in order to finance a wedding. If you've recognised this need and are eager to make it happen, then you are in line to get hitched dude!

You Want Her to Be the Mother of Your Children

This one's B-I-G. It may not have been that long ago, when the mere thought of being a daddy sent you running for the nearest bottle of tequila. However, if being with your latest lady has you actually thinking of children's names and even grinning at the thought that she might be the mother to your brood, then you've certainly got nuptials on the brain.

You Make Long-Term Plans Together

The realisation that you're ready for marriage may actually be obvious. If you've initiated or willingly participated in discussions with your girlfriend about eventually buying a house, having children, saving for retirement or any such future plans, then it's a logical assumption for you that you should propose.

You Know She's the One

She is the culmination that came before. You've now learned who you are. You remember the girls you've thrown back while waiting for that special catch. This special catch! And now you know that she is in your life. All her good traits and the way she makes you feel about yourself impress upon you the absolute need to keep this one - for life.

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