It can be pretty hard sometimes to sit back and let your man make an important decision that could affect you for the rest of your life. We’re not talking about the proposal here; we’re talking about the ring! Since you’re the one who has to wear it (proudly?) for the next several decades, it definitely behooves you to ensure that you get the one you want. But how can you impart that information without making him feel like you’re pushing? Here are a few ways.
1. Drop hints. Sometimes men can be pretty thick, so you might have to be persistent. But by leaving web pages with rings open on your desktop (so that he’ll see them), strategically placing photos of rings where he’ll find them (with post-it notes detailing what you like), and even pointing out your faves in diamond-store windows while you’re out, you can hopefully give him the clues he needs to pick the perfect ring.
2. Enlist the aid of other women. Traditionalists may not be into picking the ring with their man. In this case, simply tell your female friends or family members what you like so that they can offer advice when your boyfriend is ready to pop the big question.
3. Tell him you want to design it yourself. If you’re a bit bolder, you could let your man know that you’re not pushing, but when the time comes, you want a custom-made creation to wear on your ring finger. This will not only let him off the hook for choosing a ring, it will also ensure that you get exactly what you want (and that it’s one-of-a-kind).
4. Use an heirloom. If you have an heirloom ring that’s just perfect, and you and your boyfriend have been discussing marriage, hand it over to him to use for the proposal. Just leave the details and the timing up to him, so he still has the opportunity to sweep you off your feet in his own way.
5. Buy it yourself. This is a very modern sentiment, but more and more girls are opting to get the ring of their dreams after the proposal (and on their own terms). If this is your plan, you should let your man know so that he doesn’t end up buying a ring you’ll never wear (that he is unable to return).
