Since When Do Ladies Need Proposal Prepping?

While wandering around Target I made my way to the magazine section and came across Engagement 101 Mag. Now forgive me if I’m out the loop, but I’m married and don’t keep up on all things single (let alone all things married). This magazine is for those who are “soon-to-engaged.” So it’s like a “You’re a girlfriend” magazine, and an “I hope he asks me” publication.

I read the editor’s note, and it actually suggested leaving this magazine on the table since it’s filled with fabulous diamond ring ideas. WOW!

If he’s not freaked out by your grandiose dreams of:

  or            or

...he most certainly will ask you to marry him now! Go ahead, leave the magazine lying around on your coffee table as a subtle hint with “ENGAGEMENT 101” blaring across the top of the magazine. Absolutely no pressure.

Don’t get me wrong, seems like an interesting magazine. It has articles about other couples getting engaged, their proposal stories, and tips for guys who are going to pop the big question.

It made me wonder what other type of “on your way” publication I could get started. Something like, “Almost A Movie Star” for  famous people who aren’t really famous yet  because you don’t know about them.

Or “Just About Fit” for those who think about working out, but never quite make it to the gym. A magazine filled with things to do when you decide not to work out. (As if you’d need help with that when you already decided not to go.)

Or how about, “Almost Wealthy” for those who haven’t won the Publisher’s Clearing House sweepstakes, but are sure they’ll be next.

OK, I’ll stop. What happened to the element of surprise when you’re about to get engaged? Even if you have been waiting around for ages. Now ladies have to get all prepared for the big question?

When my husband proposed I thought he was breaking up with me, he was being so weird. Then when he popped the question, I was all dopey-looking and have the pics to prove it. We laugh about that moment still. It was fabulous, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I have a girlfriend who is happily married whose husband proposed when she had her hair up in a towel with a green mask on her face. After she had just finished chewing out their kids and harping on him. He said he knew that she was the woman he wanted to be with for the rest of his life – just as she was – yelling, green mask and all.

One of my other girlfriends was so bent out of shape about waiting so long for her man to agree on a wedding date, and when he finally said they needed to elope –  he had surprised her and flew in her whole family to be there and celebrate.

If the magazine is filled with lovely “real” stories like these, maybe it’s alright – and darn it, I should’ve started this magazine first! jk Seriously, for those who are single and waiting it out, I don’t think it’s necessary to compare and contrast, prep and preen prior to your proposal...enjoy the journey. Life is messy, don’t ruin it with attempts at perfection – thank GOD the man who really loves you is going to be fine without all the hoopla. As for the ring, maybe a little hoopla wouldn’t hurt. : )