The Next Step In Your Relationship: 5 Signs It’s Time To Get Engaged

There comes a time in every relationship that you and your partner must decide to take it to the next level in your commitment or go your separate ways. But how do you know you are ready to get engaged and create a bond until death do you part?

The answer is more than the excitement of picking out custom engagement rings and living room furniture. You will need to be confident in yourself, as well as your love for your partner, before asking the big question or answering it, depending on who you are.

Here are 5 signs it’s time to get engaged:

• You Are Happy With Your Partner

You are not going to marry your partner to change him or her. You are happy with who they are, what they believe in and how they act towards you and others. Do not get married hoping marriage, love or your special power of persuasion will change this person. They are who they are, and that is never going to change because of anything you do.

• You Have Your Own Life

You need to be happy with yourself and what you are currently doing or have done with your life. Marriage is not going to make you happy or complete.

You need to be a complete person outside of your relationship and not rely on your partner to complete you. Yes, they may fill in the empty places, but they are not the reason for your being on this Earth. You need to find your purpose outside of the two of you before you can commit to a lasting relationship through marriage.

• You Work Well Together

Beyond having fun and enjoying each other’s company, you are able to work well together. You are not in competition with each other, no one is the “boss” of the relationship. You are entering or continuing a partnership. You work as a team to get things done, to overcome adversity and you are there for each other when the other person needs help.

• You Want a Marriage, Not Simply a Wedding

You and your partner are planning a marriage and not just a large party. Hopefully, your marriage will last through all of the time; not just one day like a wedding. Sure a wedding is fun and exciting, but if you only want a large party where you are the center of attention, wait until your birthday, don’t have a wedding day for that purpose.

• You Actually Like Your Partner

Love and like, are two different things and often don’t go hand in hand. You may love someone but may not like them. You need to like your partner, in every way, shape, and form, to be able to marry them and spend the rest of your life with them.

You are entering a marriage to be a lasting engagement, not a starter or temporary agreement. You need to know yourself, know your partner, and above all, be comfortable with all aspects of them and yourself. These are the keys to getting engaged and going forward with a fantastic marriage.