Engagement: How Long is Too Long to Wait for a Proposal?

While many like to wait two or three years before getting engaged, a study from the jeweller F.Hinds has actually found that the perfect time seems to be just one year, eight months and three days to be exact. Opinions differ on the subject and many are still waiting years after their very first date for their proposal. Maybe your partner is saving up to find you the perfect engagement ring or just too scared to take the next step. But, how long is too long for a proposal? Is getting married really necessary? 

A generational issue

In 1960, the median age to get married was 20 for women and 23 for men versus 27 for women and 29 for men today. In fact, according to a research, millennials are 10 to 20% less likely to get married in their 20s than their parents. Actually, marriage proposal accept is linked to a solid economic foundation where those with higher income getting married versus those with lower levels of income and education are deeming marriage unnecessary. 

Many millennials and gen Zs are also choosing to live with their partner, buying a house or even having a child together before getting engaged and married, which is the polar opposite for boomers. 

Being ready

We can talk about timing as much as we want but really what matters the most is how strong and fulfilling your relationship is. Being able to communicate about your issues but also share your experiences together. According to Ian Kerner, licensed psychotherapist “You want to have some problems emerge and see how you deal with problems together. For me, it’s more about the range of experiences that lend themselves to compatibility rather than the amount of time.”

Before questioning the timing of your engagement or even thinking of leaving your current partner because he/she hasn’t proposed, make sure that you really know that person and that you have encountered some life experiences together. 

A healthy recipe

In order to have a healthy marriage, there are many important aspects you need to have in your relationship. Unfortunately, many couples lack in certain areas and end up in a toxic relationship that will eventually lead to a divorce.

Sharing interests and values is one of the most important aspects of a relationship, of course you don’t have to have all of the same interests, life would be boring otherwise but being able to talk about things you both enjoy and like is essential for a long-lasting relationship.   

A healthy sex life is also important for a relationship, being able to communicate what you like and don’t but also making the effort to keep it going. 

Finances can be a massive dealbreaker for couples, in fact financial problems are the most common reason for divorce. The way you both handle your finances need to be aligned to avoid any argument.

All in all, if you have been waiting for years for your partner to propose then maybe it’s time to sit down and have a discussion about where you want to go as a couple. Marriage is hard work but if you put the effort in then you are on track for a long-lasting relationship. 

Timing can be everything when it comes to proposals, F.Hinds has put together a fun way to test exactly how skilled we are in finding the right time to propose. They’ve hidden an engagement ring in the below jumble of watches and clocks, can you prove you’re a master of timing by beating the average 13 seconds it takes to find the ring?