Gettin' the diamond mounted

[chinox22x]

marriage = teh deveel

:nana:

[vtlion]

How do you know she's the one?

I have my reasons  

Marriage isn't a slam-dunk... it never is.  The only reason that divorce rates are higher today is because divorce is socially acceptable.  Had it been so in earlier decades/centuries many would have divorced then, too.  Instead they had to live together in misery because they couldn't risk being ostracized by the community.

For me, at least, part of the beauty of marriage is the risk.  If there were any real guarantees then it wouldn't be as meaningful IMO.  If I want a warranty, I'l buy a car.

As for how to know... in my unprofessional opinion there are a few good predictors:

1. how well do you handle money (financial issues are the number one cited contributing factor by divorces)
2. how good is conflict resolution in the relationship?  Can you both find compromises?  Can you have a meaningful dialogue that goes somewhere?  If not, then your chances are not good.
3. are your long-term goals consistent with each other?   If you dream of retiring to a lavish Colorado ski-resort and she dreams of retiring to a shack on the beach, then you are destined for problems, no matter how much you have in common in the short-term.  
4.  Do you even know what your long-term goals are?  If you don't know where you want to go in life, how can you chose a partner to go there with? (note: this was my screw up the first time, so I know what I'm talking about here)

there are lots more factors that can be used as statistical predictions, but they are just that: statistical.  They are all gross generalizations that can't accurately model each individual relationship.

Overall I would say that applying logic to a situation in which love is the primary motivator is usually a futile exercise.

[boomboom]

Well congrats.

How about take her out to a nice dinner, and after the dinner take her back to a nice hotel or something like candels and champange with flower petals covering everything and when you guys walk in, give her something to go change into (so you can light all the candles) then when she walks out of the bathroom, be on one knee and ask her then.

[Laura]

Congrats! Let us know how it goes. I like proposal stories.

[boomboom]

I want to see what the ring looks like!

[LEVO]

I've been looking forward to it, but also dreading it because once I put that ring on her finger I officially relinquish any and all control with regards to the marriage.  She and her mom will be free to run wild (and they will)  

Look at the bright side, that will giver you more time to ride.  They do all the work and all you have to do is show up.

[LEVO]

How do you know she's the one?

I have my reasons  

Marriage isn't a slam-dunk... it never is.  The only reason that divorce rates are higher today is because divorce is socially acceptable.  Had it been so in earlier decades/centuries many would have divorced then, too.  Instead they had to live together in misery because they couldn't risk being ostracized by the community.

For me, at least, part of the beauty of marriage is the risk.  If there were any real guarantees then it wouldn't be as meaningful IMO.  If I want a warranty, I'l buy a car.

As for how to know... in my unprofessional opinion there are a few good predictors:

1. how well do you handle money (financial issues are the number one cited contributing factor by divorces)
2. how good is conflict resolution in the relationship?  Can you both find compromises?  Can you have a meaningful dialogue that goes somewhere?  If not, then your chances are not good.
3. are your long-term goals consistent with each other?   If you dream of retiring to a lavish Colorado ski-resort and she dreams of retiring to a shack on the beach, then you are destined for problems, no matter how much you have in common in the short-term.  
4.  Do you even know what your long-term goals are?  If you don't know where you want to go in life, how can you chose a partner to go there with? (note: this was my screw up the first time, so I know what I'm talking about here)

there are lots more factors that can be used as statistical predictions, but they are just that: statistical.  They are all gross generalizations that can't accurately model each individual relationship.

Overall I would say that applying logic to a situation in which love is the primary motivator is usually a futile exercise.

OK, I bite.  I am married for almost 25 years.  Two great kids.  Soooo, here we go:

1. Joint account and don't worry how much they spend on manicure, pedicure, shoes, cosmetics, clothing, etc. etc.  This would let you do the things you want to do.
2. Always say yes dear.  Forget about meaningful dialogues, there is no such thing.
3. You spend the summers at the beach resort and winters at ski resort.  Problem solved.
4. You never know what life serves.  Enjoy what you got today.

If you love her, delete this post, because you don't want marriage advice from GS500 forum.

Cheers

[Anonymous]

Good job LEVO.

I'll add:

People change.  In 10, 20, whatever years you won't be the same person you are now and she won't either.

The "cute" little quirks will become annoyances.

Statistically marriages that work the best are the ones where the WOMAN was the initiator.  Meaning, SHE fell for you really hard.  If she wasn't all that into you and you had to persue her, well, the statistics are against a long term relationship.

If any of you are trying to change a major part of your personality to appease the other...  Good luck.

There's more...

[vtlion]

If you love her, delete this post, because you don't want marriage advice from GS500 forum.

Cheers

I asked for advice on the proposal... I never said I would take it  

and for those interested... here is the handcuff:

[boomboom]

Very nice.  I bet she is very happy!