Men and Dating - Series 1 Episode 14

Engagements -

I have to admit, Marriage and Engagements are two topics I’ve been avoiding blogging about. I can’t say I’m an expert on engagements just because I was engaged once upon a time. However, I still have my opinion on the matter and that’s what you’re going to get.

I think two people should get engaged when they have spent the time to get to know each other and have become best friends. Maybe I’m weird, as my roommates and my family and my friends and strangers have all told me, but I want my husband to be my best friend. What fun is it going to be if we aren’t? Anyways, an engagement should be about two people who love each other and know that they don’t want to be with anyone else or date anyone else. Basically, they need to be ready to settle down with one person. (I am using the phrase “settle down” quite loosely. For some people, “settling down” with a person is more like “Just getting started with a wildly amazing life!” That’s going to be me.)

If you're already engaged, don’t be “en-gagged”. Show affection for each other, DUH, but I don’t think an engagement should be all about being touchy-feely. See, there I go referring back to a previous post. It still applies after you’re engaged. I just don’t think it’s really love if you have to constantly be touching and kissing and cuddling. Marriage can be exciting but the mindset shouldn't be "Oh my gosh, I can't stand not being with him. If we don't get married soon, we're going to get into some 'trouble'." That really is just asking for trouble. Calm down and remember it's for eternity. You'll have all the time in the world plus some to be married so enjoy your time before then. You'll never get it back.

That being said, there are some couples I think are absolutely perfect for each other because they show their affection in their actions rather than by being touchy-feely. Those are the couples that I look at and think “Come on man, just go ahead and propose! She’s perfect for you!” These couples are the ones I see going out and having adventures with each other. They aren’t afraid to tease the other person. They might cuddle a little bit, but it’s in a cute, almost shy sort of way. Mostly they just act like best friends.

I absolutely love the stories where a guy and girl know each other for years and are good friends. Then, when they’re both grown up, one of them looks at the other and realizes he or she never wants to part with their dear friend. It’s always such a cute story and because they were friends first, they know each other and trust each other. Sure, they have their disagreements but every friendship does. Those are the strongest relationships.

So, seriously, be friends first and “lovers” second.
And have adventures. Those are best.

~Rose