As a woman I always anticipate Valentine's day, for me it evokes very strong memories. For so many, happy memories are formed this time of year, I'm no different. Four years ago, I decided to propose to my boyfriend. I'm aware that being a women, that this is slightly breaking with tradition, however I was determined to go through with it. I remember buying the ring, I was very nervous at the time, I still refer to it as my boyfriend's Valentine's ring.



It was a very strange experience. I had the idea a few months before. My boyfriend and I were very much in love and had been together for nearly eight years, so it felt right. I knew that we were both ready, I was just a little anxious as to how he would respond as I offered him the Valentine's ring. Quietly, I was confident. I had dropped a number of hints in the weeks and months building up to it, I guess you're never one hundred percent sure until the Valentine's ring is on their finger though.

My family and friends were very supportive, I even decided to speak to my boyfriend's parents about it. They were overjoyed and offered to help with the preparations. There was not a lot to do at that stage, however their offer and the fact they cared meant a lot to me.

Visiting the jewelry was a great experience. Effectively, I was purchasing an engagement ring. However, since I was breaking with tradition by asked a man to marry me, I wanted it to be known as a Valentine's ring. I looked at so many, there was just so much choice. It dawned on me how difficult it must be a for a man to buy any form of jewelry for a woman.

Eventually I was able to find the perfect Valentine's ring. It was just wonderful, it was a fabulously simple design, platinum ring. I was even able to put my own inscription on the inside of the ring, it read ?May this Valentine's ring always be with you, just as I hope to be?. It sounds a little soppy now, however at the time and still to this day, I meant every word.

We had both agreed to spend a lovely evening enjoying a meal for Valentine's day. We booked a special restaurant that was candle lit and had soft music on in the back ground. It was just perfect. The meal was wonderful, although I can not remember what we had. All I could think about was that I was going to propose to my boyfriend. I must have checked to see that I still had the Valentine's ring in my pocket a dozen times.

When dinner was over, my time had arrived. I looked into his eyes and smiled. He smiled back at me. I simply said to him ?Will you marry me??. His smile grew wider and he looked at the ring I was holding in front of him. ?Yes? he exclaimed, ?of course I will?. With that, I placed the Valentine's ring on his finger.

We were wed the following year. Valentine's day is so special for both of us. I wish you the same happiness this Valentine's day.