15 Thoughts We All Have When Waiting for a Proposal

Are you constantly playing the "they love me...they love me not" game with your inner voice as you anxiously await a proposal? Are you driving yourself crazy analyzing every conversation and decision the two of you have made together in the entirety of your relationship? Are you stressing yourself out over how you will cope when you break up after you once again convince yourself that it's not that serious and the connection is spiraling toward its grand demise?

Stop right there.

We get the waiting-for-a-proposal anxiety is real and dark, but tell that demonic little voice that keeps doubting your relationship security and self-worth, "Not today, Subconscious Satan."

If you've concluded with your partner (and yourself) that you're ready for a life together and you both want to get married, it's going to happen. Breathe. And if the waiting game feels less like a game and more like a torture session, take solace in the fact that you're certainly not the only one going through this. Here are 15 thoughts that cross just about everyone's mind when waiting for a proposal.

1. "I wonder if they'll ask in [insert upcoming vacation destination.]"

Idyllic location, premeditated outfits, plus all your family will be there. I mean, why wouldn't your S.O. be cooking up the dream proposal? It just took you all of 15 seconds to map out how you'd do it if you were in your partner's shoes.

2. "Have they talked to anyone else about their grand plan?"

Surely, there's a sibling or a best friend from whom you can extract—or to whom you can implant— valuable information. You will be so chill about it. Just a casual "What's up? How's your fantasy team doing?" followed by some flattery and then, "I know you wouldn't let [The Person I Love] embarrass themselves with anything half-baked or cheesy, right?"

3. "Please tell me they actually have a plan."

Have some faith! If your relationship has reached "lifetime commitment" status, your future spouse knows you pretty well. They're going to appreciate how much a thoughtful proposal will mean to you.

4. "I hope I like the ring. What if I don't like the ring?!"

It's one of every almost-engaged-person's greatest fears. After all, you're supposed to wear this thing forever. It'd be so awkward to have to tell your better half it's not your style, and faking it would be even worse. Why don't you think about dropping a few not-so-subtle hints?

5. "How bad is it to rummage through their stuff?"

No way they would hide the ring at the bottom of the dirty clothes hamper. That's disgusting...you're going to check, aren't you?

6. "Should I stop buying anything monogrammed for now?"

You don't want to engrave your last name initial on a new bag if that letter is going to change anytime soon. When are you allowed to start using your married-self's monogram without looking like a psycho person anyway? Grrr. Now you just want to shop...

7. "Is it too soon to show them this wedding Pinterest board?"

That one you made nine years ago? Yes. Maybe you'll just keep it a secret for now...praise be for privacy settings. You can get a jump-start on wedding planning without announcing it to the world. Or, bump the haters, and pin away. Who knows? You may be surprised to find your future spouse comes to the wedding-planning table with a few ideas of their own.

8. "Who do I tell first when it happens?"

What's the order? Eternal thanks to the inventor of blind cc'ing on email threads because you know better than to send a mass text message. All those responses? Your phone would be dead in minutes—before you even get to the social media post. (Spoiler alert: That's last.)

9. "What's my Instagram caption going to be?"

Eh, why not? Here's some advice for creating the best wedding hashtag ever.

10. "Is my S.O. dressed up for date night? It's happening tonight!"

Any time your S.O. plans something nice, you're suspicious. But you don't want to get your hopes up in case it doesn't happen. Now you're talking yourself out of every possibility at the same time. Then again, it really is the perfect opportunity...

11. "If I see another engagement announcement, I'm going to #puke."

As if waiting on your other half to pop the question isn't tough enough, it seems like every time you check social media someone else is getting engaged. How is your little sister's best friend from kindergarten possibly old enough to be getting married? She's got to be, like, 16 years old at most.

12. "If they don't propose by [insert deadline here], I'm out of here."

Whether you've been patiently waiting for two weeks or two years, it feels like time goes by as slow as molasses once you've had "the talk." We know, and are figuratively sending you soothing hair pats. But don't do anything you'll regret: Remember, ultimatums are generally not a good idea.

13. "Do I even want a proposal anymore?"

Second-guessing is normal; marriage is a BFD. But if you're 22nd-guessing, take a moment to really think about what is causing concern. Are you actually apprehensive about your future as a couple? Or are you just a little nervous about the smaller things that may not seem so small at the moment (like planning a wedding)?

14. "Maybe I should just propose to them..."

Maybe you should! We are all for rewriting the rules.

15. "I'm done overthinking this. It'll happen when it happens."

Good for you! Atta way to rein in all your unbridled bridal thoughts. You are a mind-warrior goddess. Now, if you figure out how to make this mindset last longer than two minutes, please tell us your secret immediately.