5 Engagement Myths That Need Debunking

Engagements and weddings have come a long way from what they used to entail. We often base our views on how engagements should be done from movies, tv shows or more recently, social media. Although we have created a lot of expectations in our minds as to how an engagement should look, a lot of this information is a myth and needs to be forgotten in modern-day proposals.

Your Partner Should Know When You Want To Get Engaged

A key thing to remember when the feelings start running through your mind that you want to get married, your partner is not a mind reader!

We see a lot in movies/tv-shows whereby a girl will drop hints that she wants to get married and then gets all upset when her boyfriend hasn’t got the message. This is another unrealistic ideal that needs to stop.

 Firstly, marriage is a huge step and just because one person in the relationship feels ready, it does not necessarily mean that the other person does. Secondly, a proposal should not be forced or be instigated from pressure, it should be natural. This is why instead of dropping hints and then getting disappointed when those hints aren’t received the way you intended, just have a conversation! By communicating with your partner, you will be able to establish where both your heads are at and then make a plan from there. 

The Man Has To Propose

We live in a very different world than we did 10 years ago, whereby the stereotype was that the man should propose. This needs to be abolished in 2021. Almost every proposal on the screen will show a man getting down on one knee and proposing to a girl. Firstly, not all marriages happen between a heterosexual couple. What if it’s two women or two men? Secondly, even if it is a heterosexual relationship, whose to say the woman doesn’t want to propose or the man wants to be proposed to?

In 2021 we need to change society’s perception. Throw out the gender role stereotypes and let the proposal come naturally. No matter what type of relationship, no matter your gender, everyone has the right to propose. After all, a marriage is a two-way partnership, you should both get a say.

The Engagement Needs to Be A Big Event

Once again, referring back to all of the stereotypical on-screen proposals, we almost always see a huge ordeal. Usually, it will be in a public setting, with photographers, rose petals and almost anything attention-grabbing. These types of proposals take weeks to plan and are just not realistic for most couples.

Of course, if a huge engagement is what you desire, then by all means let your ideas run away with you, however, don’t feel you have to live up to these expectations. 

A lot of couples actually prefer a more intimate engagement and save the theatrics for the big day. Your engagement is a personal experience, therefore, it’s important that you don’t get caught up on what other people experienced as each engagement will always be different.

You Need To Wear a Ring

We all have seen the big diamond rings that celebrities wear on their fingers after getting proposed to… But is this realistic?

Wearing an engagement ring is a completely personal decision. By no means do you need a ring to get engaged and you definitely do not need to spend thousands upon thousands if you do want to wear one.

Weddings are expensive and if you are planning on having one or proposing to your significant other, think about the future costs. Why blow half your budget on an engagement ring, just because of the expectations society gives off, when you also have to afford the actual wedding day?

Some couples like to keep things low-key, others like to show off, both are completely fine. 

As mentioned previously, weddings and engagements are a completely personal experience and should be catered to what both you and your partner desire, no one else.

You Can’t Talk About Marriage Unless You’re Engaged

This myth couldn’t be further from the truth. 

We see frequently on shows that the want-to-be brides are scared to discuss the idea of a wedding as they do not want to frighten their partner off. 

Yes, we understand that the idea of planning and having a wedding may seem daunting for some, however, this is why communication is needed on the subject, otherwise, you will just be left in the dark on your partner’s thoughts on the matter. In modern-day relationships communication is key. Think about it, how will your partner even know you want to get married if you are too afraid to confront them on the subject? 

Whether you are engaged or not, talking about marriage and weddings is totally okay. After all, you’ve got to start planning you and your partner’s future someday, right?

Now you are aware of just some of the engagement myths created throughout the years. Enjoy your engagement and don’t stress about all of the unrealistic expectations society has created over the years. Remember that your engagement is just another way to symbolise you and your partner’s love for each other. No matter what your engagement entails, the love you have for your partner will always be the most important part. 

Congratulations to all engaged couples and have an amazing wedding day!