For the MEN: Avoiding Proposal Disasters During the Holidays

Every little girl dreamed about it, now it's your chance to make her dreams come true. Proposing on Christmas, New Year's, Valentine's Day or any other special occasion can be overwhelming. You have high expectations to live up to and it is one of the most exciting moments of your life – and hers.

Regardless of the setting, read The Knot’s article on "50 Romantic Ways to Propose" and make sure this moment in your life is memorable for both of you.

Potential disasters and how to deal
1. You forget what to say
Laugh and tell the truth. She knows you’re nervous and if you are in public, you can prevent the awkward silence by being the first to laugh. Remember, everyone is rooting for you. They want you to succeed and they want her to say “yes”. Get yourself together and start over. Think of the first time you met or tell her about the way she makes you feel when the two of you are doing something you enjoy.

2. You inevitably spill wine on your shirt at dinner
Plan ahead. Murphy’s Law tells us that no matter how careful you are, if something can be spilled, it will. Bring an extra shirt, heck, bring an extra change of clothes (including socks and shoes) to be sure you have the confidence you need and look your best.

3. Your elaborate plan falls apart
Start fresh and simple. First, it may be best not to over complicate things from the beginning. Focus on what is truly important - the huge milestone you are approaching in your life. However, if you decide to move forward with an elaborate plan that requires many moving parts be sure to have a back up plan. If the limo is late to pick her up and the fireworks go off early or your shirt has a stain the size of a softball (see #2), don’t worry. Get on one knee and stick with the classic approach. Regardless of the journey, the two of you will laugh about it later and you will have a great story to tell your family and kids one day.

4. She doesn’t say yes immediately
Breathe. You’ve done all this planning, mustered up your courage, popped the question and she responds, “Can I think about it?” Take a deep breath, stand up and hug her then tell her of course she can think about it. As you already know, this is a huge decision. You may have had weeks to get used to the idea of marriage where she may just now be coming to terms with the words “til death do us part”. Don’t be discouraged. This delay most likely does not have to do with you, but her own fears. Support her and remind her that you love her and want what is best for both of you. You are willing to wait for the woman of your dreams.