So you're thinking about popping the question. First of all, congratulations. This is a big step to take, whether you've already picked out the perfect Princess cut diamond ring or you're still mulling over timing and ideas. It's not something that you do on a whim, especially if you want it to go well. 

But how do you know that it's really time to take that step? Maybe you've been together for a while. Maybe it's not been so long, but the thought keeps crossing your mind. If you're looking for a little bit of clarity, here are 10 amazing reasons why proposing may be exactly the right move for you.

1. You just can't imagine life without them. It sounds like a cliche, but it really is true. If the idea of going through the rest of your life without your partner feels completely off, then this is a good sign you missed them. After a few hours apart, they're the first person you want to tell good or bad news to. And if that's the case, it may be time to put a ring on it. Specifically, a Princess cut diamond ring. You'll be able to see the joy on their face and picturing that alone doesn't hurt, does it?

2. Building a life together. You've got shared bank accounts, Co signed leases, or the weekly grocery runs together. If you're already operating like a team, then marriage may be the natural next step for you. A proposal isn't just about romance, but about making that commitment truly official. When you already act like a married couple, proposing just formalises what's already in motion.

3. You've talked about a future that includes one another. Have you both talked openly about your future kids, careers, where you want to live, where you want your lives to look like? If those conversations are happening naturally and frequently, and they involve we instead of just me, then you're likely aligned for the long haul. Marriage is about growing together, and if you're already mapping that road, it may be time to get down on one knee.

4. They make you feel like a better version of you. If you feel more patient, more driven, and more yourself when they're around, it's a great reason to propose. Healthy relationships help each person to thrive rather than shrink. If your partner is inspiring you to be your best without changing who you are at the core, that's a rare kind of connection you won't find in many places. And what better way to honour that than with a lifetime promise?

5. Your friends and family love them and vice versa. While this is never the only reason to propose, it really does matter. Relationships don't exist in a vacuum. Your partner becomes part of your world, and when you take them on, you take on their family and their extended circle. If they've built strong bonds with your loved ones and you've done the same with theirs, it's a good sign of long term compatibility. Plus, those warmer relationships will make planning a wedding and future family much easier.

6. You've gone through the hard stuff together. It's so easy to love someone when things are going well, but have you weathered storms together? Maybe you faced a job loss, family challenges, or stressful moves. If your relationship has held strong through hard times, that's a major testament to your partnership. Marriage isn't just about the good days, but about the stressful days and the days when things get sad or messy. If you can get through those while still holding hands, you'll be able to get through a marriage because you've got that solid foundation and you're in good shape.

7. You are both financially and emotionally ready. There's no such thing as the perfect time, but it is smart to evaluate where you stand. Are you both emotionally mature? Can you communicate openly, argue respectfully, and support each other? You don't need to have a six figure bank account or in a house, but being realistic about finances and your goals really does matter. Being ready doesn't mean having it all figured out either, but it means being ready to figure it out together.

8. You can't wait to celebrate this love. This is not a love you want to hide. You want to tell the world you're dreaming of engagement photos, planning a future, and sharing the joy with friends and family. You want them in your bed every night and you want them in your shower in the morning. And of course, picture in their face when they open a ring box and see the diamond that you've chosen. That's a moment that lasts forever.

9. You've grown together rather than apart. People evolve over time, and if you've both grown in ways that are supportive, encouraging and In Sync rather than drifting apart, this is an important sign. Couples who adapt and grow together are more likely to go the distance than couples that don't. Whether it's adopting new habits, changing careers or facing challenges, this is marriage material if you've done it side by side.

10. You know it's the right thing. Sometimes you just have that gut feeling. You just know. There is no list of reasons, pros or cons or deep conversations that can replace that intuitive sense that it is the right thing to do. If your gut is telling you that this is the one, trust it. You might not have all the answers, but love doesn't wait for perfect conditions. If your heart says yes, the rest will follow.

Proposing itself is a big moment, but it doesn't have to be a scary one, especially if you found someone who loves you deeply and supports you. There is no one-size-fits-all formula for when or how to do it, but if several of the reasons on this list resonate with you, then you're probably closer to being ready than you think. Now get that ring, plan your moment and get ready to take the next step.