30 People Who Declined A Marriage Proposal For A Reason

Anna and Sarah from The Wedding Society were kind enough to walk Bored Panda through the biggest pitfalls that we should avoid if we’re considering proposing to our partners. Timing, for instance, is a very important part of this.

“Generally, we’d advise not to take someone else’s moment away from them. Don’t tag onto another event—just work on creating a moment that’s dedicated wholly to you both. Also, don’t take risks that you think might not work. If it ‘could be brilliant or be a disaster’…. maybe workshop some other options,” they warned.

I was curious whether the people considering proposals should worry about being originality. Or if originality is even possible in this day and age. (Remember, there’s nothing new under the sun!) Anna told me that authenticity, not originality, is key here.

“Instead of focusing on being original, focus on being authentic. If someone wants to truly spend the rest of their life with you, then all they really want to hear in that moment is what they mean to you. The right kind of fiancé doesn’t need to be impressed by the proposal in order to be won over,” she said. However, she added that we really ought to try, not just wing it: “That said, turn off Netflix and get off the couch. Make an effort, ya know?”

What many people think of when they’re planning how they’ll propose is how nervous they might get. Especially if they’re shy. Luckily, Anna and Sarah had some wise words of advice for us.

“If you’re nervous, eliminate the crowds or witnesses. Instead, record the moment from an inconspicuous place, so neither of you is aware that the device is there,” they suggested. “Then you‘ll have a record of the moment between you both to share as you like.”

They noted that even the most confident people feel nerves when trying to say the right thing. “Writing it down and reading it aloud helps a lot because you’re not focusing on what you might be forgetting and you know you’re not leaving anything out.”