It is very exciting to meet that one perfect person with whom you can imagine spending the rest of your life. Taking the next step and deciding to get married is a big deal, though, and you want to be sure. This advice will help you determine if you are ready to commit to marriage.

While love can undoubtedly hit like a thunderbolt, it is generally a good idea not to rush quickly into an engagement. Wait long enough to discover if the relationship will still seem as sweet once it is no longer brand new. The day in, day out reality of marriage will be different than the first months of a courtship. If you two are like a couple of lovebirds well after the intial excitement of a new relationship has faded, you are probably ready to commit to getting married. How long is long enough will be different for every couple, but most people feel that you should know each other for at least a year before planning to get married, and many couples date for quite a bit longer.

When you wake up and discover that you want to build your entire life with that person, you will know you are ready to start planning a wedding. If you dream of growing old together, she is probably the girl for you. On the other hand, if the long term picture in your mind doesn’t necessarily include your partner, it is probably not the right time to get engaged. It is nice to get to know each other very well before becoming officially betrothed. Eventually you will know if it is the “real thing” or not.

There are those who feel like after some specific number of years, a couple should become engaged or see other people. It is often the woman who feels like the relationship needs to progress to the next stage, but sometimes it could be the man who wants to take the next step. There is no expiration date on a relationship, so don’t feel like you must get engaged or break up once you reach two years or four years as a couple. That said, there is also a chance that your partner will start to question your commitment if you don’t give her that piece of bridal jewelry that means you are hers forever. Do take a chance and ask her to be your bride if you cannot imagine life without her.

As for the exact timing of the proposal, there are plenty of great options. Some people like to make a big fuss over popping the question. Surprise her by whipping out the engagement ring while on holiday in Hawaii or some other romantic locale. She will always remember where you gave her the special bridal jewelry that started you on the path to marriage. It is also popular to propose marriage on a holiday. The time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is known as engagement season. Valentine’s Day is another big day for proposals, although some women think it is not an original time to pop the question.

Naturally, the choice about when to get married is one that only the two people involved can decide for themselves. Be patient; be certain that you know one another very well, are in love, and share the same vision for your future. When all those things are true, you will know that it is the right time to get engaged.