I'm hoping to propose to my man.

[Grinchgirl25]

I've been with my man since 2016 off and on, and we just had an anniversary. Since then I've been thinking about popping the question. I bought the ring last night at work since I work in a store with a jewelry counter and there was a ring I knew he'd like. I just never had the money for it. Until last night when I finally had enough money from a hairbow sale to buy the perfect ring. It's made of stainless steel with a blue inside and blue inlay. It's also thin and I think it won't snag on anything while he's working (he works in a restaurant). I've only ever read about women proposing in books, and this is completely new territory. But since I also finally got my driving permit after 25 years and have a shot of getting my license, and the proverbial ball of our life is now finally rolling, I want to move into his apartment with him as his fiancée or better yet, his wife. But due to the pandemic, the wife part may have to wait a bit. Which I'm completely alright with. Now the hard part, I have no idea how to ask a man to marry me. I know he likes sports but all of the things sports related we could go to are closed. And he's also kinda shy. Which is absolutely adorable. I was planning on proposing on his birthday in 3 weeks in July, and I got a framed plaque of the Pittsburg Penguins' (his favorite hockey team) their Stanley Cup championship wins. I know I want to make sure he's comfortable and not overwhelmed. So I have bounced around ideas to myself to keep it private. But nothing seems right in my mind. I'm wondering if anyone might have an ideas on a good proposal, fire away.

[Enric]

You're a brave girl, that's good.

If this man loves you (and I bet he does), the way you propose is not that important, he will accept you anyway. It sounds more like a way to make it something epic so you both will remember it forever. I believe men and women aren't so different but it's mainly about personal preference, so I will just share mine.

I like the idea of proposing in a special date, but I think the annivesary is better than the birthday. Typically people have many birthday memories, and they are often not related with their spouse. While I bet he will always remember this day it's better if you choose a more romantic occasion and not a day he typically shared with friends and relatives. I think Saint Valentine's or the relationship anniversary are better choices.

If you have a chance to meet him irl either go to his house, or invite him to yours, and make sure you two are alone. Cook a tasty romantic dinner, and propose after the desert... It's classy but beautiful in my opinion.

[Atlantic Crossroads]

Go for it!
Naturally I would encourage you, because I did the same myself.
Mine was very low key, done at a distance and was completely impromptu.
I had been browsing through Pinterest when I saw a quote that resonated with me. I'd debated proposing to him before we even met. I also considered doing it on our first visit, but didn't. In the end I proposed a week after our first visit. I sent him the quote, the proposal, and the clarifications just before I went to bed, so I could wake up to an answer. Of course, it didn't happen that way, because I took him by surprise. So he needed time to process and decide.
I then proceeded to get mad at him because he was playing it cool like nothing had happened, and I couldn't handle the suspense. I told him that I needed a timeframe for a response, and he said he'd have an answer within 2 days. When he said that I calmed completely, as to me that felt like an acceptance. He did accept, and in his usual style he sent me a song with it. I now plan to walk down the aisle to that song, despite it being metal.

In my case it was completely incidental. I had looked up suggestions and ideas on proposals, but none of them fit us. Though I will admit that his response with that song was what made it, not what I did.