-If you have been in a relationship for many years now, there comes a point when you realize you could spend the rest of your life with your partner. Next comes the tough part. Just how should one propose without appearing insincere and unromantic? I want to show you how to go about delivering a decent marriage proposal in case your own lame attempts cause you to be laughed at in your face.

Number 1.
It’s a Gift in itself.
A larger diamond does reflects more light, and some women swear by Tiffany’s, but the majority of us out there choose the special gift of having our lives and future entrusted to their love over a branded rock presented with no sincerity. However, it would not hurt to get her a ring that suits her personality and style. It is nice to know that your loved one spent his annual bonus on a ring that you have been eying for ages. It makes us women feel like we are the reason you guys leave us in the morning to work; whether it is true or not we will never know, but life is all but an illusion after all and what we don’t know can hurt us. Bearing in mind that proposal in itself is already the best gift you can give to her, treat the ring as simply a tangible aspect of the whole gift package. What you can offer her after marriage is the real deal.

Number 2.
The budget.
Obviously, this depends on your financial situation and your women. Be wise, spending ten years of savings on a rock is not romantic, it’s foolish. Think about the consequences. How much savings will you left for your wedding banquet? Trust me, wedding guests will not appreciate only having a plate of chicken rice for dinner.

Number 3.
Getting Ready…
Demanding for her identification card to ROM and applying for a HDB will not impress a romantic. How does she really want you to propose? If , like many others, you are clueless, start with a sussing out her characteristics.

If She is…
…Outgoing and adventurous
If she is game for surprises, the biggest the better, satisfy her thirst for basking in the limelight. Muster up courage, run onstage, and scream your proposal during that Christmas Party. It may help to rope in your closest friends for the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahhs’ after you pop the magic question. This will surely make her feel envied and heighten the ‘whoa, I didn’t expect…’ feeling in her. If she loves the great outdoors, bring her bungee jumping or diving to get her into the mood to think that you are the man of her wildest adventures.

…Stable and logical
Even the more sensible women appreciate a little effort. Flowers and ring are a must for the traditional lover. If she is perpetually glued to her laptop, leave a message on her desktop wallpaper and spring a gentle surprise on her. The classic restaurant setting work just as well.

…Passionate and creative
If she loves balloons, she might like the idea of having them as part of the plan. By sunset, walking across a path filled with rose petals can be as romantic.

…Quiet and peaceful
She might want a proposal to be as private as possible- whisk her away to a place where no one can possibly find the both of you and advance from there. Considering that the option of kneeling on the rough Singapore beach sand is not exactly very appealing, why not try something instead that will make her heart beat twice as fast, with the battle is half won? A hot air balloon is well worth a month’s salary for the ultimate isolation from earthly entanglement. Just remember to take note of the weather forecast. Being struck down by lightning in the midst of proposal will not make you a national Romeo.

For those who are still clueless (really…), follow my step-by-step guide to a relatively fuss-free classic.

Step 1. Check with her schedule and book a flight to ____________ (fill in with her dream holiday destination, unless it’s Antarctica).

Step 2. Check that you have bought the all important proposal instrument, namely 999 rose petals enough candles to form a heart, a lighter (duh!), a sturdy stick to scribble your proposal on the sand, and honey water to sweeten your voice with. A ring is optional and definitely added bonus, though only if you are willing to risk her doubting your taste in fine jewellery.

Step 3. After watching the sunset with her, gently lead her to the spot where you have prepared your petal- strewn proposal ground. Remember to choose a spot where your message runs no risk to being washed away by high tide. Light your candle (practice, practice, practice!) and give her your carefully rehearsed I-will-love-you-for-eternity look.

Step 4. Wait for her nod.

Step 5. Spend the rest of your life wondering what made you through Step 1 to 4 whilst you struggle to make out what the soccer commentator just said amidst her incessant nagging for you to leave the toilet seat down.

STILL SINCERE ABOUT THE PROPOSAL?
- You’re ready. But keep in mind that the most well-though out does not equate to everything going as planned, though in Singapore possibilities like earthquakes and hailstones are thankfully eliminated. Literally, never let rain dampen your spirits. Realize that not every women (or man) has the chance to feel ecstatic whilst still soaked to her skin, Proposals do not just end at the shy nod. Now that she’s yours, remember to deliver the promise you made on that special day. A proposal lasts for only a few minutes. Marriage is for life (we hope).