7 Signs That Indicate It's Time to Exchange Rings

Engagement is a big step and it is common for couples to spend a lot of time thinking about whether or not they're ready to get engaged. Getting engaged means making things official and letting people know you are preparing to tie the knot. It's the first step towards marriage when you are no longer eager to find brides online, which makes it a big deal.

People get engaged when they're really committed but it's still common for them to want to avoid engagement. In fact, many couples argue over engagement when one person wants to seal the deal and the other one is having cold feet.

We live in an era where marriage isn't as big of a deal as it once was. Divorce rates are very high and engagements break on a regular basis. Being engaged or married doesn't guarantee your future as there's nothing stopping you from calling things off. Still, you have to spend a good amount of time thinking before you decide to exchange rings.

In this article, we'll look at some signs that indicate it's time to get engaged.

Let's get started:

Why Do People Get Engaged?

It's natural to think of this question when you're getting ready for engagement. Millions of people get engaged every year but do you ever wonder why they take such a big step? There are multiple reasons.

Some people get engaged because they feel it's the right time to settle down and make things official. This is the best reason to get engaged as it means you are ready to take the next step in your life. However, this isn't always the situation as some people decide to exchange engagement rings only because of peer pressure.

Your friends and family members will start to ask you engagement-related questions if you've been dating for a while and are of marriage age. This is more common in some parts of the world than in others. Also, watching your friends and loved ones get engaged could make you want to do the same.

Getting engaged due to peer pressure is not a very good idea. You should get engaged only if you and your partner are ready. Getting engaged is not always the right option because things will not go well if you end up getting engaged before you're ready.

Look for these signs in your relationship if you are thinking of engagement so that you can be sure you are ready for engagement.

#1 You're Comfortable with Each Other's Flaws

Perfection is nothing but a myth. It doesn't matter how much you love your partner or how perfect you think they are, remember that they're flawed.

A relationship works only when you're aware of each other's flaws and are comfortable with them. It isn't about neglecting their flaws but accepting them with their faults. According to experts, it's all about learning to deal with your partner's shortcomings and knowing how comfortable you are with them.

Listen to your inner self and be honest with yourself. Here's a trick recommended by Bobbi Wegner, an experienced clinical psychologist from Boston:

• Close your eyes and think of your partner and see what comes to your mind. Don't just concentrate on the positive but the negative as well. Start by thinking of three ‘bad' things about them and see how comfortable you are with these things.

Remember your partner will come with these ‘habits' and think if you are ready to accept them the way they are. These things can be very small such as their inability to be on time or something major such as toxicity. Decide if you can live your life with these traits and then take the next step.

#2 There's Full Trust Between You Two

You have to trust your partner completely before you decide to get engaged. Trust can be a little hard to gauge and understand. Some people are quick to trust and some can take a while.

We suggest that you hold on to trusting someone completely till you know exactly who they are. Wait till you have met their friends and family members. Don't jump into an engagement without knowing your partner on a very personal level. Make it a point to meet their family members and see how your partner interacts with them.

Their friends could tell you a lot about them so consider spending some time as they might introduce you to some new realities. We're not talking about being pessimistic here but it is common for couples to often neglect each other's flaws or to get engaged without fully knowing each other only to realize they have made a mistake.

A great way to avoid this problem is to dig into their past and decide if they're trustworthy. You should also consider knowing more about their previous relationships and why things didn't work out. This is an important part of getting ready for engagement. You will be considered ready for engagement only if you fully trust what they tell you.

Don't get engaged if you doubt their story or your future together. You will be sharing a lot more once you get engaged so think this thoroughly.

#3 You Both are Ready to Commit

Want to know how to get ready for engagement? Ask your partner. You cannot get engaged just because you want to. Your partner must be as willing as you are, otherwise, you two will end up arguing a lot. Talk to them and take them into confidence.

As odd as it may sound, more and more people are now ditching marriage and deciding to live without a formal relationship. Your relationship will not work if your partner doesn't want to get engaged and is doing so just to please you.

Have a talk with them and know their opinion. Some people want to get engaged but they have fears and resentment. A detailed conversation could make things right so don't shy away from talking to your partner about your wish to get engaged and hear what they have to say.

#4 You Enjoy Being with Them

Engagement is a lot about timing. Some people choose to get engaged because they want to show the other person they're ready, some do it because they've been together enough to take the next step, and some do it because they wish to spend more time together.

You don't have to be engaged to live together but being engaged does offer some benefits in some parts of the world. However, that shouldn't be your reason to get engaged. Think of exchanging rings if you truly like being with each other.

Think how grateful you are for their company and how long you wish to be with them. Engagement can be an answer only if you are truly proud of your partner and wish to spend more time with them. Engagement should be considered as sacred as marriage but without the burden of being married.

According to reports, couples that show gratitude tend to be happier. So, think of your happiness together before you decide to get engaged.

#5 There's Financial Stability in Your Life

Getting engaged before you're financially stable can be a huge mistake. Most people think of this factor only when they are getting married and don't think much of their financial standing when they're getting engaged. This is a major mistake that could cost you a lot.

Being engaged could have an impact on your financial health, especially if you decide to move together. There might be more bills to pay and more things to take care of. Also, engaged couples tend to spend more time together and their expectations also change.

You may not be able to give your partner the time that they demand if you're too busy hustling at work, so think of getting engaged once you have found financial stability in your life.

#6 You Want to Have Kids

Technically speaking, you don't have to get engaged to get babies, however, most couples decide to exchange rings once they make long-term plans that include kids.

Having kids without marriage or engagement could complicate things, however, think of this step only if you're mature enough to handle the responsibility. Don't get engaged just because you are having kids because it will lead to more trouble in paradise.

#7 Communication is As Good As It Gets

Think of why you wish to get engaged. Is it because your partner is very attractive physically? This could be a great reason to get engaged in your opinion but experts seem to disagree.

Physical attraction alone cannot be a good reason to be together. Relationships based on physical attraction don't always last long. You should think of getting engaged only if communication between you two is excellent and you don't have to think twice before speaking your mind in front of your partner.

There should be no fear and you must be able to be yourself when you are with your partner. Engagement cannot be an option if you live in some kind of fear such as fear of losing your partner, fear of being disrespected, etc.

#8 You've Seen the Best and the Worst

Don't think of getting engaged till you have been with your partner long enough to have seen all their sides. A lot of people get engaged because they fall in love with the ‘good' side of a person without ever being introduced to their bad side. This is a major mistake that causes marriages and engagements to end.

Humans are not black and white, we're gray. You should think of getting engaged once you have seen both their best and worst and you are okay with who they are. Remember that a relationship works when you like them for who they are without asking them to change.

Go for an engagement if you like them the way they are and do not want them to change. Some people get engaged because they expect their partner to change and get better after engagement. This is a big mistake, so make sure to think of your decision thoroughly.

Now that you know how to get ready for engagement, we hope you will have no difficulty finding answers to your questions. The key lies in looking at your relationship objectively and getting engaged at the right time and for the right reasons.