Did your partner tell you to get your nails done? (Picture: Getty/EyeEm)
Being proposed to is meant to be one of the most romantic moments of your life.
Whether you’ve been with your partner for ten years, or ten weeks, a marriage proposal is a statement of intent – a commitment that they want to build a life with you and celebrate your love publicly.
Traditional proposals are built on an element of surprise. The proposer ay go to great lengths to keep their plans concealed, hiding rings and creating elaborate ruses to get the object of their affections in the right place at the right time.
However, if you do have an inkling, it might be nice to be prepared. You can get your nails done, and make sure your reaction face is on point.
‘2022 could be a special year for so many people – particularly if their loved one is planning to pop the question,’ says Tim Ingle of ethical jewellers Ingle & Rhode.
‘Over the last year during the pandemic, we noticed huge interest for our engagement rings so it will be interesting to see if this trend continues into the new year.’
Between March and May last year, there were relaxations on restrictions for the staging of weddings and Ingle & Rhode saw sales grow alongside people’s general confidence following lockdown – reaching a high of 17% for engagement rings.
This trend continued following ‘Freedom Day’ on July 19 in terms of the number of engagement rings bought that month.
So, if you think your partner is up to something, Tim has shared his key signs that your partner could be preparing to propose:
A planned trip away
‘This could be a top giveaway if your partner books a romantic trip or experience out of nowhere,’ says Tim.
So, if there’s a romantic break in your diary that doesn’t see to be for a specific reason – be on alert. Especially if it’s to somewhere that means a lot to you as a couple, or you have been before.
Camera ready
‘Has your partner booked you an appointment to get your nails done? Or told you to get your nails done?’ asks Tim
‘This could be a sign that they know you will want to be taking pictures of your hands (aka ring!) soon.’
Looking for clues
Tim says you should keep an extra close eye on your jewellery box to see if anyone has been rifling through it.
‘If it has been rummaged through, it ight be that someone is keen to find out what your favourite gems are, or simply seeking inspiration,’ says Tim.
They ight of course also be trying to confirm your ring size.
Family networking
‘Does your partner seem to be talking to your friends or family members in private?’ asks Tim. He says any secret calls or furtive texts might be a sign that something is afoot.
‘They could be looking for help with planning or filling them in on the proposal plans.’
Timing is key
‘Keep your senses peeled for any strange or unusual activity around key engagement dates such as Valentines Day or Christmas Day – or even your birthday,’ says Tim.
Although the jury is definitely out over whether it’s a good thing to propose on a big occasion or not.
Celeb role models
‘Does your loved one ask you for your opinion on how celebrities and people in the public eye have proposed?’ Tim asks.
‘Maybe they have taken a keen interest in proposals on Youtube and the wider internet?’
If this is the case, they might be on the hunt for romantic gestures that they can replicate – or looking for more ring inspiration.
Friends trends
Are they talking to your close friends more than normal? Tim says this could be a proposal green flag.
‘Have they been asking your friends about things you like and don’t like as they plan a magical proposal?’ Only time will tell.
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Dress to impress
If you think it might be the day your partner pops the question, Tim suggests taking a close eye on what they’re wearing.
‘Is your significant other looking to dress for a specific occasion?’ he says.
‘Are they looking for something that stands out but has big pockets with no holes in? Big enough to store an engagement ring box?’
If they’re wearing a Tux and knee-pads, you might be on to a winner.
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