Are more and more engagement photos popping up on your feed? We’re at that point in our lives where it seems like everyone’s picking their life partner, but that doesn’t mean you have to follow suit. Don’t let reality shows fool you, getting engaged is a big deal and not something to rush into. You might love your significant other, but that doesn’t mean you need to commit. If any of these 10 signs sound familiar, you’re not ready to get engaged just yet.
- You’re Looking For A New Career. Are you looking for a new job or trying to find your purpose? You should wait to get engaged. Right now, the world is up for grabs. You might find an amazing job in another state or decide to teach in China. I’m not saying you’ll fall out of love with your partner if you move, but you might be less likely to go if you’re engaged. Work on achieving your dreams now before making any serious commitments.
- You Don’t Think Anything Lasts. Getting engaged is a big deal, but if things don’t work out you can always leave, right? While that’s true, it’s not how you should walk into an engagement. Giving yourself an “out” makes it all seem so casual but it’s not. Getting engaged should feel like a binding contract. If it doesn’t, you’re not ready.
- You Often Wonder About Your Ex. Do you still think about your ex? That’s not the biggest deal… unless, of course, you’re thinking how much better your life would be with them. That’s cause for concern and probably means you have unresolved feelings. You shouldn’t get engaged if you haven’t taken the proper steps to heal from your previous relationship.
- You Feel Pressured. Maybe your parents have been on your ass about settling down. Or maybe your significant other is in a rush. Whatever the reason, you should never do anything because you feel you have to. That’s a sure-fire sign you’re going to regret it one day. Don’t let ultimatums or other people’s opinions force you into a situation you’re not ready for.
- You Have The Same Fights. Your arguments are usually focused on the same topic. That means you two aren’t able to push through problems to find resolutions. Whether that’s because you can’t compromise or don’t have the tools to do so, it’s not a good situation to be in. I’m not suggesting you break up, but work on your communication before getting engaged.
- You Don’t Want To Compromise. You’re still living selfishly and you know what? There’s nothing wrong with that. However, it means you shouldn’t say yes to the dress anytime soon. A successful relationship needs two people who can compromise. You need to be willing to let your partner take the lead every once in a while.
- You Don’t Know What You Want. Do you know if you want children? Don’t get me wrong, deciding whether you want kids isn’t easy. However, you should have an idea of what you want before walking down the aisle, especially if your partner has a firm stance one way or the other. You don’t want to get married before you know your own values. If you do, you might end up mimicking your partner’s.
- You’re Not Honest. You keep a lot of secrets from your partner. That’s not a good sign. By now, they should know everything about you (even the gross stuff). Has your partner seen you without makeup? Have you discussed your financial struggles? If the answer is no, that means you’re not comfortable enough with your partner to be engaged.
- You’re Not Addressing Your Concerns. There are things about your partner that bother you but you’re trying to ignore them. I’m not saying they’re deal-breakers, but they need to be addressed before you agree to an engagement. You might think they’re small annoyances, but they won’t be small in 10 years.
- You’re Not Confident In Your Relationship. For a marriage to work, you both need to be confident in your relationship. Do you constantly wonder if you’re with the right person? Do you doubt your feelings will last? You should wait to get engaged. Spend time dating your significant other and getting to know them on a deeper level. The more you know, the better you’ll feel about committing to forever.
