A funny thing happened the other day. You suddenly found yourself thinking about diamond rings. And not just diamond rings, either, but those other big expensive things that go along with 'em. You know, weddings. Well, let us be the first to say: Congratulations! By now, though, you've started to realize how monumental a topic this is. Maybe you've discussed it with your girlfriend. Maybe you haven't. Maybe you've never so much as thought about proposing before.

Doesn't matter. The point is, you think you've found the woman of your dreams. You've never felt this way about someone, etc., and so on. But you find yourself wondering: Is the time right? How will I know it? And what am I in for? Don't sweat it. These are the questions behind the question; it's a good thing you asked them. In fact, that's why we're here. We'd like to help with the answers.

Knowing the time is right

Some guys “just know" the time is right to propose. Maybe it's an instinct. Maybe a little birdie -- or their girlfriend -- whispers in their ear. Whatever it is, the moment makes sense and they run with it -- no questions asked. Chances are good you're not one of those guys, though. If you were, you wouldn't be reading this. But listen: That's okay! A lot is at stake when you're thinking about proposing. It makes sense to think things through.

Now's the time to ask yourself a few key questions:

1. "How long have I been dating this girl? And, more importantly, am I comfortable with how well I know her?"

Actually, the length of your relationship is relative. Some people know each other for ten months and get hitched; others take ten years. So the crucial question is, are you comfortable with how well you know her? The keyword there is "comfortable." You probably don't know everything about her -- especially if you've never spent extended periods of time together. So there are things you're first going to learn when you get married. For example, maybe she leaves the cap off the toothpaste (not that we know anybody who does that *cough*). It helps to think that she's "The One" -- someone you love so much that you're willing to deal with all the surprises, whatever they may be.

2. "Forget about thinking she's 'The One.' I already think that. When will I know it? "

Not every guy gets to be "The Bachelor." So unless you're trying to narrow your choice down from a group of, say, 25 beautiful women, there's a good chance she's the only woman in your life. But this is good. This makes things easier. Why? Because it's all about her now. Yeah, sure, there are other fish in the sea, but this is the one you caught, and all it comes down to is whether you're all right with that. So ask yourself: Do you finish each other's sentences? Does it hurt you when she's hurting? And can you live a single day without her? That last one's a clincher. If you think you can live just as easily without her, maybe you shouldn't live with her -- maybe she isn't "The One."

3. "This is awesome. I can't even imagine living another day without her! I know she's 'The One' now. I'm so happy. Is that all there is to it?"

Not quite. Some guys know they've found "The One" and still end up waiting years before popping the question. Everyone's got his own pace. Maybe you're the only tortoise in a group full of hares; all your friends are getting married and you feel pressured to do the same. Well, pressure isn't a great reason to plunk down a couple of bucks on a nice shiny diamond, is it? Maybe it is. That's for you to decide. Just know that you're about to go through some major life changes. If you're ready, willing, and able to do that, and if you think she's "The One," the time may be right to propose.

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