Proposal answer advice

[snicker08]

Hello, My name is Natalie, and I need some advice. I am currently dating an amazing man. We have been dating 5 months, and we are in love. He has been hinting a lot lately about proposing and it is a HUGE decision. I don't quite know what to do. I am so nervous. I feel like it is right, and although i don't necessarily feel ready for marriage I feel like it is right. What to do. How to know, and any personal experiences? I'm just so nervous about this huge leap of faith.

I've been praying. I have gone to the temple. If I was physically able to, I would fast. I've received an answer, and he's the most amazing man i've ever had the blessing of meeting. He's become my best friend. I love him and want to marry him. I'm just extremely nervous. Is that normal?

Edited March 31, 2011 by snicker08
more info necessary

[beefche]

Fast and pray. Often. Make sure you know him, really know him. His good qualities and his weaknesses. Be sure you understand that you will be marrying him as is--you will not change him. He will not change after marriage. So, whatever may annoy you now, know that it will become 10x worse after marriage--can you live with that?

And then fast and pray more. Your answer will come, just do what you need to do to receive it.

[estradling75]

If at all possible add Temple visits you the suggestions of fasting and prayer. (It might not be possible but if it is add it).

Don't feel the need to say yes due to expectation or other external pressure (including from the guy)

[Dravin]

Also, you may want to consider preempting him. As someone who recently proposed you really put yourself out there and receiving a no (even if it is a "No to now, not no to us being married) could be quite stressful to the guy. This isn't to try to say you are obligated to say yes, what I'm trying to say is if you feel you aren't ready for that yet, but you may be in the future, let him know now, not just as the proposal escapes his lips. If he's hinting about it heavily he's probably trying to read you for a reaction.

[Wingnut]

If at all possible add Temple visits you the suggestions of fasting and prayer. (It might not be possible but if it is add it).

I would suggest that said temple visits be by yourself or with family members, but not with the boyfriend.

[Backroads]

There is a time where you either have to get married or break-up.

That being said, if you're not ready for marriage, you're not ready!

Are you scared of the idea of getting married? Are you not sure you're ready to marry him specifically?

Pray. Fast.

And write out your thoughts and feelings on this. That might get you seeing just what you're thinking.

[Roseslipper]

all the sadvice is good, but i have to wonder if you have to ask others,it doesnt seem like your ready

[beefche]

I don't agree, Rose. I didn't ask necessarily on a forum, but I did tons of research from lds.org on how to know to receive an answer. It took alot of talking to my close friends and bishop, fasting, praying, researching before I could say yes.

[snicker08]

I've been praying. I have gone to the temple. If I was physically able to, I would fast. I've received an answer, and he's the most amazing man i've ever had the blessing of meeting. He's become my best friend. I love him and want to marry him. I'm just extremely nervous. Is that normal?

[rex8499]

If he's hinting about proposing he's looking for feedback from you. Give some. :) Learning to talk openly about thoughts and feelings without worrying about criticism or damaging is an important part of being married. Personally, I would not propose or say yes to a proposal unless I was 100% sure it was what I wanted and I was ready for it.