Well, this gamer is finally taking the plunge :)

[TheSegaSaturnGuy]

I have been thinking about proposing for the last few months and I finally decided to go pick out a ring. My girlfriend and I have been together for just about 6 years and she is my best friend, we get along perfectly. I have been saving a little from each paycheck for a while now and I was able to get the ring with 12 months no interest! I was prepared to sell off a big portion of my video games to fund the ring but my credit score saved my games this time. I know everyone says this but my lady is the best woman on this planet. She absolutely hates my mass of video games but she would never tell me to get rid of them because its one of my biggest passions (and because I let her pretend she is running with The Doctor). I have never been so excited to do something in all my life. Also, there is a ring box at the jewelry store that is a Tardis, should I get it for the proposal? For all of you that are married, how did you propose?

[Sano]

Congratulations man! I hope you have a great wedding and a lasting marriage. Just don't have any kids... they are evil.

[samsonlonghair]

Congratulations and best wishes.

[Luke]

I'm still suffering from engagement ring sticker shock, and it's been years. But if you purchase the right diamond that thing will soar in value. Make sure you have it appraised before purchase.

Best wishes.

[J T]

Congratulations man! Proposing is such a fun sort of stress to have. Enjoy every second of it because it only happens once.

[jay_red]

When I proposed it was the most nerve racking thing I had ever done! We were on a trip to Disney Land, for our birthdays, since they are right next to each other. I had planned to do it under the fireworks show that they had on the weekend nights, but we got there on a thursday, so I had to keep the ring safe the entire time and the box was to big to hide, so it was just wrapped in a napkin haha.

On the day I was set to do it, I had to keep the ring in my pocket all day, going on rides and everything. I was checking for the ring every couple of minutes because I was so worried about it getting lost! Then that night, we were on Main Street with a TON of people, and the show started, I kept wondering when the right time to do it would be, and dont even remember watching the fireworks. Sometime about half way through the show (I actually thought it was about to end) I pushed myself off the cliff and turned to her, got down and asked.

[ninjainspandex]

I never understood the whole buy an expensive ring tradition, if I was ever to get married I'd prefer to give a simple gold band and spend the rest of the money on a really awesome honeymoon. Rather have lasting memories than a hunk of rock.

[samsonlonghair]

Sweet stories all around.

May I offer a tip on buying diamond rings?
Avoid jewelry stores.

Jewelry stores charge several times the actual value of diamonds. Prices are artificially inflated to prey on the sentimental.

Check the second hand market or consider buying straight from the jewelry makers.

I never understood the whole buy an expensive ring tradition, if I was ever to get married I'd prefer to give a simple gold band and spend the rest of the money on a really awesome honeymoon. Rather have lasting memories than a hunk of rock.

This is not a bad idea either.

[prfsnl_gmr]

Congratulations! Being married is great, but getting married can be very stressful.

When I proposed to my wife, I took her on a hike to the location where I fell in love with her. Once we reached our private spot a ways off the trail, I professed my love, let her know that this was the spot where I realized I was in love with her, got down on one knee, pulled out the ring, and proposed. We had discussed marriage before - and I expected her consent - but I was nonetheless extremely nervous. Moreover, my wife silently examined the ring for about seven seconds after I proposed. I finally said, "So...uh...are you going to marry me?" and she responded with an enthusiastic "Yes!...uh...Sorry! I love you!" We still joke about this, and she swears that she meant to respond as soon as I asked the question. (Apparently, the actual proposal was shocking despite the fact she knew it was coming.)

I never understood the whole buy an expensive ring tradition, if I was ever to get married I'd prefer to give a simple gold band and spend the rest of the money on a really awesome honeymoon. Rather have lasting memories than a hunk of rock.

I agree that this is a good idea. That said, even my wife, who would usually put the money toward a practical purpose, expected a diamond ring. So, if your girlfriend is cool with this, then you should go for it. If there is even the slightest hesitation or expectation of a ring, however, I am afraid you will have to go that route.

[fastbilly1]

I lied to my wife that we needed to get my grandfathers grill from my grandparents house for a 4th of July party the next day. As we went around back to get it, I told her I lied to her and gave her the ring. Then we went to my parents house and ate Mexican food.