Are you noticing subtle changes in his behavior. Is he suddenly more attentive to your jewelry preferences. Has he become secretive without explanation. Discover the telltale signs that indicate he may be planning to pop the question soon.

Decoding His Behavior: Is a Proposal on the Horizon?

When you’ve been in a relationship for a significant period, it’s natural to wonder if your partner is considering taking the next big step. While every relationship is unique, there are some common signs that may indicate he’s gearing up to propose. Let’s explore these subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) hints that could mean wedding bells are in your future.

The Jewelry Clue: Why Is He Suddenly Interested in Your Accessories?

Has your partner developed an unexpected fascination with your jewelry collection? This sudden interest might not be a mere coincidence. When a man is planning to propose, he often needs crucial information to select the perfect ring. Here’s what you might notice:

• Frequent comments about your rings or other jewelry
• Questions about your preferred styles, metals, or gemstones
• “Casual” conversations about ring sizes
• Increased attention when you’re wearing jewelry

Why is this behavior significant? Choosing an engagement ring is a major decision, both emotionally and financially. By gathering information subtly, he’s trying to ensure the ring he selects will be something you’ll cherish.

Financial Shifts: Is He Tightening the Purse Strings?

A noticeable change in spending habits can be one of the most telling signs he’s preparing to propose. Have you observed any of these financial behaviors?

• Reduced spending on non-essential items
• Increased interest in budgeting or saving
• Reluctance to make large purchases or plan expensive trips
• Conversations about long-term financial goals

What’s behind this financial prudence? Engagement rings and weddings are significant expenses. If he’s serious about proposing, he may be setting aside funds for these important investments in your future together.

The Joint Account Proposition

Has your partner suggested opening a joint bank account? This step is often a precursor to deeper financial entanglement. It indicates a willingness to share resources and plan for a shared future – hallmarks of a relationship moving towards marriage.

Family Ties: Is He Becoming Part of Your Clan?

When a man is considering marriage, he often makes concerted efforts to integrate himself into your family. You might notice:

• More frequent visits to your family
• Increased engagement with your parents or siblings
• Efforts to build independent relationships with your family members
• Interest in family traditions or history

Why is family integration important? It shows he’s thinking beyond your relationship as a couple and envisioning himself as part of your extended family unit. This is often a crucial step before proposing.

The Formal Introduction

Has he recently introduced you to his family or close friends in a more formal manner? This could be a sign that he’s preparing them for your permanent place in his life. When a man is ready to propose, he often wants his loved ones to know and approve of his choice of life partner.

The Secrecy Factor: What’s He Hiding?

Unexpected secrecy in a typically open relationship can be puzzling. However, in the context of an impending proposal, it might be a positive sign. Here’s what you might observe:

• Hushed phone conversations
• Quickly closing laptop screens when you enter the room
• Vague explanations about his whereabouts
• Unexpected absences or “errands”

While secrecy can sometimes be a red flag in relationships, in this context, it often means he’s planning a surprise. He might be consulting with jewelers, planning a special proposal, or coordinating with friends and family for the big moment.

Future Talk: Is He Painting a Picture of Your Life Together?

When a man is ready to propose, he often starts discussing the future more concretely. You might notice:

• Conversations about where you might live long-term
• Discussions about future career paths for both of you
• Talk about starting a family or raising children
• Planning for major life events or milestones together

Why is this significant? These discussions indicate he’s not just thinking about the present, but actively envisioning a shared future with you. It’s a strong sign that he sees you as his long-term partner.

The “When We’re Married” Slip

Has he ever accidentally referred to you as his wife or mentioned “when we’re married” in casual conversation? These verbal slips can be revealing. They suggest that in his mind, marriage is not a question of “if” but “when”.

Romantic Gestures: Is He Stepping Up His Game?

An increase in romantic gestures can be a sign that he’s building up to a proposal. You might experience:

• More frequent surprise dates or outings
• Increased expressions of affection
• Thoughtful gifts or gestures without occasion
• Recreating significant moments from your relationship

What’s behind this romantic surge? He may be trying to create a romantic atmosphere or relive special moments before popping the question. It’s also possible he’s simply appreciating your relationship more as he prepares to take this significant step.

The Ring Research: Has He Been Asking About Jewelry Preferences?

While similar to the jewelry interest mentioned earlier, ring research often involves more specific questions. You might notice:

• Pointed questions about your favorite gemstones
• Discussions about ethical sourcing of diamonds
• “Hypothetical” conversations about ring styles
• Comments on friends’ engagement rings to gauge your reaction

Why is this important? Choosing an engagement ring is a significant decision, both emotionally and financially. By gathering detailed information, he’s trying to ensure the ring he selects will be perfect for you.

The Sneaky Size Check

Has he ever playfully tried on your rings or compared hand sizes? This might be a covert attempt to determine your ring size. Getting the size right is crucial for a surprise proposal, so this seemingly innocent act could be very telling.

Lifestyle Changes: Is He Focusing on Self-Improvement?

When a man is preparing to propose, he often makes efforts to better himself. You might observe:

• Increased attention to health and fitness
• Efforts to advance in his career
• Taking up new hobbies or skills
• Addressing personal issues or bad habits

What’s driving these changes? He may be trying to become the best version of himself before taking this significant life step. It’s a sign that he’s taking the prospect of marriage seriously and wants to be a worthy life partner.

The Commitment Conversation: Is He Initiating Talks About the Future?

Open discussions about commitment are often precursors to a proposal. You might experience:

• Conversations about your views on marriage
• Discussions about your timeline for major life events
• Questions about your ideal wedding or married life
• Sharing his own thoughts and feelings about long-term commitment

Why are these conversations significant? They indicate that he’s seriously considering marriage and wants to ensure you’re on the same page. It’s a mature approach to ensure compatibility before taking the next step.

The “Hypothetical” Marriage Talk

Has he ever posed “what if” scenarios about marriage or asked for your opinion on others’ engagements? These hypothetical discussions allow him to gauge your feelings and expectations without revealing his intentions.

Friend and Family Behavior: Are They Acting Suspiciously?

Sometimes, the signs of an impending proposal come not from your partner, but from those around you. You might notice:

• Friends or family members asking about your relationship more frequently
• Sudden interest in your schedule or upcoming plans
• Cryptic comments or knowing smiles when your partner is mentioned
• Unexpected gatherings or attempts to get you together with loved ones

What could this mean? If your partner is planning to propose, he may have confided in close friends or family members. Their excitement or involvement in the planning might leak through in their behavior towards you.

Travel Plans: Is He Suggesting a Romantic Getaway?

A sudden interest in planning a special trip can be a sign that a proposal is in the works. Look out for:

• Suggestions for romantic destinations
• Insistence on keeping parts of the itinerary a surprise
• Unusual attention to detail in trip planning
• Requests for you to keep certain dates free

Why is this significant? Many men choose to propose during a romantic trip or getaway. The change of scenery and romantic atmosphere can provide the perfect backdrop for popping the question.

The Passport Check

Has he casually inquired about the status of your passport or other travel documents? This could be a sign he’s planning an international proposal or honeymoon.

Emotional Intimacy: Is He Opening Up More?

An increase in emotional vulnerability can indicate that he’s preparing for a deeper commitment. You might notice:

• More frequent expressions of love and appreciation
• Sharing of deeper fears, hopes, and dreams
• Increased interest in your thoughts and feelings
• More physical affection or desire for closeness

What does this mean? As he contemplates making you his life partner, he may be consciously or unconsciously working to deepen your emotional connection. This increased intimacy is often a precursor to a proposal.

Living Arrangements: Is He Hinting at Cohabitation?

If you’re not already living together, suggestions about sharing a home can be a sign of impending proposal. Look for:

• Casual mentions of living together
• Discussions about ideal neighborhoods or home types
• Increased time spent at each other’s places
• Comments about combining belongings or decorating styles

Why is this important? While not all couples live together before marriage, many see cohabitation as a step towards engagement. His interest in sharing a home indicates he’s thinking about a shared future.

The Key Exchange

Has he given you a key to his place or suggested you leave more of your things at his home? This symbolic gesture of trust and integration can be a precursor to a more formal commitment.

Career Considerations: Is He Making Long-Term Professional Plans?

A man preparing to propose often starts thinking more seriously about his career trajectory. You might observe:

• Discussions about long-term career goals
• Increased focus on job security or advancement
• Consideration of career moves that could affect both of you
• Interest in your own career plans and how they align with his

What’s the significance? Career planning is often tied to life planning. If he’s considering how his professional choices will impact your shared future, it’s a sign he’s thinking about marriage.

Social Media Behavior: Has His Online Presence Changed?

In today’s digital age, social media can provide clues about his intentions. Look for:

• Increased posts about your relationship
• More frequent use of terms like “we” or “us” in posts
• Sharing of content related to weddings or engagements
• Subtle changes in relationship status or profile pictures

Why does this matter? While not all men broadcast their intentions on social media, some might unconsciously reveal their thoughts about commitment through their online behavior.

The Social Media Cleanse

Conversely, has he become more private on social media or removed old photos with ex-partners? This “cleaning up” of his online presence could indicate he’s preparing for a new chapter in his life.

Reaction to Others’ Engagements: Is He Paying Close Attention?

His response to friends’ or family members’ engagements can be telling. Notice if he:

• Shows increased interest in engagement stories
• Asks detailed questions about proposals or rings
• Seems more attentive during wedding-related conversations
• Makes comments about your potential future engagement

What does this mean? He may be gathering ideas or gauging your reactions as he plans his own proposal. Increased attention to others’ relationship milestones often indicates he’s contemplating his own.

Personal Growth: Is He Working on Self-Improvement?

A man preparing for marriage often focuses on personal development. You might notice:

• Efforts to address personal issues or overcome challenges
• Increased interest in self-help or relationship advice
• More open communication about his feelings and needs
• Attempts to resolve any lingering conflicts in your relationship

Why is this significant? These efforts show he’s taking the prospect of marriage seriously and wants to be the best partner he can be. It’s a mature approach to preparing for a lifelong commitment.

The Relationship Check-In

Has he initiated more serious conversations about the state of your relationship? These discussions might be his way of ensuring you’re both ready for the next step.

While these signs can be indicators of an impending proposal, it’s important to remember that every relationship is unique. The absence of these signs doesn’t necessarily mean he’s not considering marriage, just as their presence doesn’t guarantee a proposal is imminent. The best approach is to enjoy your relationship as it is, communicate openly about your future together, and trust that if marriage is meant to be part of your journey, it will happen in its own time.

21 Signs He’s Going to Propose to You Soon

In This Article

‘Will you marry me‘ are the four beautiful words you would want to hear from the person you love, with whom you dream of spending the rest of your life.

So, when you’ve been in that relationship for quite some time, you start feeling, “It’s about time he put a ring on it!”

If you love him and even see him being the father of your kids, then getting a proposal from him could be the natural next step for you. 

But, it can be quite challenging to decipher if he has plans to pop the big question. Discerning the signs he’s going to propose is like detangling a Gordian knot!

Also Try: Is He Going to Propose Quiz 

How to riddle out your boyfriend’s proposal plans?

If you are on the lookout for the signs he’s going to propose, perhaps you have snuffled that something’s cooking up!

At the same time, you do not wish to make castles in the air and suffer embarrassment if your boyfriend has no such plans.

So, for unraveling the mystery, there are only two options. Either you talk to him directly if you are too anxious about the lingering suspense. Or, if you are in for surprises, you need to be alert to pick up on the cues.

Related Reading: Ways on How to Propose to a Girl

Is he dropping hints he will propose?

Guys many a time prefer the indirect approach to propose or confess their deepest feelings. So, how to know when he will propose?

Well, if you are getting a vibe that he’s ready to propose to you, try to closely observe his behavior.

If you notice a sudden change in his behavior,  find him nervous for no plausible reason, or any other kind of unusual demeanor,  perhaps he is giving you signals!

Nobody but you will be able to decrypt these signals because the way of dropping hints will vary from person to person. 

Only when you know someone too well you will be able to pick up on the cues and decipher if there is a hidden meaning behind them.

Related Reading: How to Propose to Your Boyfriend

21 signs he’s ready to propose to you

When you start looking out for the signs he’s going to propose soon; you might start obsessing over it. Every small thing would seem like an indication of a proposal.

So, how to know when he will propose? 

Check out these telltale signs your boyfriend is going to propose to you, and get to know if your special moment is near!

1. He has developed a sudden interest in your jewelry

He needs your finger size; he can’t get a perfect ring without your finger size. So, he will start showing interest in your jewelry all of a sudden.

Moreover, he will start picking your brain about what type of jewelry you like.

Rings are big investments; he doesn’t want to mess it up, so he will keep at it till he gets all the information he can. 

2. He has cut down on his spending

If he has changed his shopping habits from buying whatever he wants whenever he wants it to buying only what is critically important, then he could be saving up with the intention of surprising you.  

When a man is ready to settle down, he plans and saves not just for the ring, but your future familial expenses. Financial planning is one of the signs he’s going to propose.

3. He wants you to open a joint account

If your boyfriend does not mind you having your finances in one place, then he definitely is thinking of making you his better half at some point. 

The fact that he wants to jointly plan on how money is spent is a very good sign that a ring might be coming soon. 

This is one of the crucial signs he’s going to propose to you and wants to settle down with you.

Related Reading: How to Get a Guy to Propose to You

4. He officially introduces you to his parents, family, and friends

Is he about to propose?

A man who is not ready to commit will rarely take the initiative to show you off to his friends and family. 

Well, if your boyfriend has taken that confident step, he will likely surprise you at some point.

This step does not mean that a proposal is imminent. However, the good news is that he is at least serious about you and may have even considered marriage if things work out. 

5. He is making efforts to mingle more with your family

Once your partner has his heart set on proposing, he will make efforts to get close to your friends, family, and people you love.

If he suddenly starts getting cozy with your family, more so your father, then marriage may be on his mind. 

This is one of the signs he is thinking about marriage, and therefore, he is trying to carve his place in your family.

6. He has become secretive without rhyme or reason

How to know if he will propose?

If your man does not want you to be part of anything he does when you’re together, and he is not cheating on you, then he may be doing some research on that perfect ring he wants to put on your finger.

He could also be making hotel bookings for the big engagement and does not want you to find out.

Secrecy isn’t all that bad if he is showing signs he’s about to propose.

Related Reading: Different Ways to Propose Your Partner 

7. He has started discussing marriage, finances, and your future together

One of the signs he’s going to propose is when he starts discussing marriage, finances, and the future with you. 

If your boyfriend opens up a discussion about what your marriage expectations are and how financial responsibilities will be shared in the future, then it surely is a good sign that he is ready to spend the rest of his life with you. 

You probably have got the answer to the question, “Is he preparing to propose”!

8. He is showing signs of wanting to get committed

The fact that your boyfriend’s friends are marrying and starting families could encourage him to take the plunge. 

The admiration, fear of being left out, or been the odd one out could make him want to pop the big question. This is also one of the marriage proposal signs to look out for.

Peer or family pressure is not the most pleasant reason to want to get married, but it is one of the signs he’s going to propose.

9. You stumbled on a ring

If you were arranging his closet and accidentally saw a ring is hidden somewhere, or even a receipt for a ring you have never seen before, then it is possible you just ruined the surprise. 

According to the Knot 2017 Jewelry & Engagement Study, nine in ten grooms proposed with the ring in hand and actually used the words, “Will you marry me?”

So, if your boyfriend is a loyal one, this indeed is a sign that he is about to propose.

Related Reading: What Does “Proposed” Mean

10. He is receiving many texts and calls from his family and friends

If you don’t have a birthday coming up, and it is not your anniversary, voila! 

He could be making plans for the after engagement surprise party. This is a huge hint he will propose soon!

11. Your family is acting peculiar

There is a big chance that he is taking help, either from your family or friends. When it comes to proposals, guys don’t do it alone. They need help. 

So be vigilant; if he is about to propose extravagantly, perhaps your family knows. 

If your family is becoming secretive and peculiar, then they are probably helping him with his proposal plans. 

All-knowing, secretive smiles, and the air of excitement is a big giveaway. Don’t go prodding for information, or you will ruin your own surprise proposal.

12. You find out he has been going to pre-engagement counseling

If he seeks pre-engagement counseling, it could be because he wants to confirm that he is making the right decision. 

He may be seeking therapists to help in dealing with his unknown fears about committing to someone forever. This is not an ideal situation, considering he might have a mild phobia of commitment.  

Nonetheless, it is one of the signs he’s going to propose to you.

Related Reading: Popping the Question? Here Are Some Simple Proposal Ideas

13. He’s ready to let go of his ego

If your guy is the type that is used to quitting when things in your relationship become tough, but suddenly he is willing to compromise and listen, then his mindset is likely changing. 

If so, then he could be thinking about settling down with you. It is a sign he’s ready for marriage; it is a sign he wants to marry you. 

14. He is choosing to be with you more and more

When you have been with your man for a long time, you are aware of his routine. If that starts to change, something’s up. 

When a man wants to really settle down, he will start to spend more time around his desired partner, choosing them over his buddies. 

15. He has become overprotective about you

 If you feel that your guy has started to act strangely of late or has become more possessive about you, perhaps he is planning to get down on one knee soon.

If he’s ready to propose to you, he might get uncomfortable if you are becoming too friendly with some other guy or if you make plans to hang out with other guys too often. 

In this case, if he is serious about proposing to you, he is bound to get nervous and overprotective towards you.

Related Reading: Marriage Proposal Guide- 8 Easy Tips to Make Her Say Yes

16. He has started using the term ‘We’ instead of ‘I’

When you start to hear “We” in routine conversation, you can expect to hear wedding bells soon. His plans will be more about you and him both than him alone with his buddies.

This is a pretty small change, and if you aren’t looking for signs, you won’t realize this. 

If you are obsessing about the proposal, start paying attention to his pronouns. “We” instead of “I” is a sure sign of him going to propose soon. 

17. He is talking about having children

When do most guys propose?

If the guy you are dating has started discussing serious topics such as finances and having children, it certainly is one of the signs he’s going to propose to you.

According to the Knot 2017 Jewelry & Engagement Study, couples are candid in discussing important topics with their partners before getting engaged. As per the study, 90 percent of the couples discussed finances, and 96 percent talked about having children.

18. You got a feeling that the timing is perfect

You need to be very careful while you are figuring out this sign he’s going to propose to you!

If you have been dating for long, you both are on the desired career path, your friends and family approve of each other, and there’s no reason in the world to procrastinate your wedding, perhaps this is the time that you have been waiting for.

Your dream of walking down the aisle could soon come true.

Related Reading: Wedding Proposal Ideas That She Can’t Say No to

19. He is suddenly too keen about knowing your plans

If you observe that your man has become too keen on knowing your plans about travel, work, or otherwise, perhaps he is trying his bit to surprise you to the best of his abilities.

He might be trying to make sure of your availability so that his plans aren’t ruined, and he can go about making the arrangements for the kind of proposal you have always dreamt about.

20. He has started enjoying others’ weddings more than before

Do you notice that your guy has surprisingly become too enthusiastic about attending the weddings? Do you feel that he has started noticing the intricacies of wedding planning like never before?

If yes, and if it is unlike the typical him, perhaps he is getting into the groove of going about the wedding proposal. If you notice his unusual interests like in the wedding dress, or the venue, or the wedding rituals, perhaps, these are the signs he’s going to propose soon.

21. He is taking a keen interest in your beauty and fitness regime

If your guy is planning a prodigal wedding proposal with hundreds of people to witness the flight of fancy, your guy ought to become conscious about how the two of you look.

If you see that he has suddenly become too sincere about his gym routine, and he is encouraging you to join him regularly, or he is giving you unique spa or manicure packages, perhaps he is getting you dolled up for the big day!

Related Reading: Dos and Don'ts for an Unforgettable Marriage Proposal

How seriously should you trust these signs?

The aforementioned signs he’s going to propose to you are some of the commonly observed indications of a marriage proposal.

Nevertheless, how will he propose will depend on the guy’s disposition and the kind of relationship you share with him.

If your guy is the private type, he might prefer dropping subtle hints. If he is unsure about your response, he might prefer to keep the proposal a private affair or make attempts to know from your family and friends what you have in your mind.

If your guy or both of you are showboats, and he knows that you can say nothing, but yes, he will go down on his knee in front of a huge audience or make the proposal the grandest ever occasion.

Also Try: Should I Ask Her to Be My Girlfriend Quiz

Takeaway

Sometimes, it happens that a man keeps on showing signs he’s going to propose, but the day never seems to come. How to know if he will ever propose? 

Well, if he is showing most of the signs he’s going to propose, then he will! 

It takes time for anyone, for that matter, to muster the courage to ask for marriage. Some take more time than others. But it is okay!

You have to trust your instincts and wait for it to happen. You can also pop the question yourself if you can’t seem to wait or if you’re not convinced that he is showing signs he’s going to propose.

After all, you know your guy the best more than anyone else. If you are sure that your relationship is all about pure love, trust your partner. 

So, whether you propose to him or he proposes to you, sooner or later, you are going to walk down the aisle with him in the best of your wedding attires, with beaming smiles on your faces.

Also Watch:

“Will he ever propose?” – 13 big signs he will!

If you’ve been with your boyfriend for a while and you’re in love, you might be wondering if he’s going to pop the question.

There are some foolproof ways to tell if he’s close to hitting a knee.

Here they are.

“Will he ever propose?” – 13 big signs he will!

1) He makes some close family ties

One of the top signs he’s about to pop the question is that he gets a lot closer to your family.

Your boyfriend may have always been fairly close with your parents and siblings, but now you notice him going the extra mile.

He may even be meeting up with them for coffee dates or get togethers at their place.

What’s up with that?

Well, he’s either feeling the need for a little extra spice in his social life and your family fills that role, or he’s getting closer to your family because he’s planning to join it.

Marriage is a huge step, and any guy worth his salt is going to want to become as close and friendly as possible with your family before asking you to become part of his life forever.

As Isaac Huss says:

“Getting married to someone means you are marrying into their family.

“It’s funny though, as terrifying as it is, the guys I know love the tradition of asking for a woman’s hand. It’s a bit like slaying the dragon in order to win the heart of the princess.”

2) He’s checking out your jewelry

Speaking for myself, I’m a big fan of jewelry. I own various wrings, bracelets, necklaces, medallions and so on.

But I know that not every man shares my passion for crafted jewelry items.

But if your guy is suddenly all about checking out jewelry and does the extra double-take when you walk past the window of a jewelry store, there could be a proposal in your near future.

One disclaimer:

Yes, your boyfriend may just be checking out a tasteful bracelet or necklace when you walk by.

We’ve all seen that movie scene where a girl is expecting the big question but instead she gets a nice bracelet.

But never rule out the chance that he’s really about to go for it, because if your relationship has reached that stage it could definitely happen.

3) He becomes a jittery mess

If your boyfriend has become a jittery mess there could be multiple reasons for it.

Maybe he’s under intense stress at work or dealing with a tricky situation with a family member or friend.

The best way to determine if it’s related to a possible proposal is to observe whether he’s acting more jumpy around the time that you’ve been having discussions about your relationship or future.

If there’s an obvious correlation then it basically means he’s either feeling insecure and wanting out, or he’s feeling nervous about wanting to get even more serious.

Like Ashley Frank writes:

“Just imagine how he must feel during the weeks, days and hours before the big event. Nervous, panicked, sweaty…you get the idea.

“When he’s going to propose, your man might start to act just a little weird.”

4) He starts saving money more than usual

Money is a stressful subject, and many of us don’t like to think about it too much.

I know that I spent years stressed out of my mind about not having enough money and having some debt.

It can sap your energy and your time.

But even if your boyfriend is doing pretty well financially, watch for him to go the extra mile to save up.

This can be a sign that he’s storing away nuts for the life ahead of you.

The life you’ll (hopefully) be sharing together!

If you notice a really increased focus by him on saving up, it can definitely be a sign that he’s about to shift your relationship into the next gear.

Love is great, but financial security is often the bedrock of a relationship that lasts.

And if your boyfriend is a practical guy, he likely knows that and is willing to do what it takes to provide a stable foundation for your future.

So:

Take note if your guy has suddenly become a lot more serious about finances and is scheduling meetings at the bank to get invested in mutual funds.

He could be one step away from hitting a knee.

5) He faces the hardest parts of life together with you

As I talked about earlier, men’s desire to commit is closely linked to an evolutionary drive which relationship psychologist James Bauer calls the hero instinct.

When a man is truly in it for the long haul, he’s not scared off by a little drama.

He loves you for who you are, and wants to do everything he can to help you out.

Your side of the equation is to show him that not only is his help, advice and solidarity appreciated, it’s actively needed.

6) He’s suddenly interested in couples who are marrying

Men and marriage aren’t always the most natural combination.

But if your guy is thinking of proposing then you may notice that he’s suddenly very keen on talking about, watching and discussing marriage.

Suddenly the Bachelor has become his favorite show.

You see him leafing through a bridal magazine at the dentist’s office.

He’s curious about how big weddings are, the general cost range and what sort of traditions various cultures and countries have for getting engaged.

You have to think about why this is.

Is he suddenly just taking up an interest in weddings for a hobby?

Or is he planning on proposing and trying to get the lay of the land first?

The second option is a lot more likely.

7) He makes you his absolute priority

One of the top signs that a proposal is getting near is that he makes you his absolute priority.

This is related to the hero instinct which I talked about earlier.

A man who wants to be there for you is not going to go half-way.

He’ll back you up whenever possible, provide for you, encourage your dreams and do his level best to ensure you’re happy and safe.

He’ll genuinely care about whether you’re doing well in life and what your hopes and dreams are in the future.

He won’t joke around about your feelings or try to mess with you.

He’ll make you his priority and treat you like you deserve.

He’ll be your knight in shining armor in every way, and fully own it when he falls short of the way he wants to treat you.

If you feel that he’s putting career, friends or other hobbies ahead of you, it’s not a good sign.

A man who is close to proposing is going to have you as his number one priority and treat you like a queen.

8) He’s talking strongly about the future

A man who is getting close to asking the biggest question of them all is going to be very focused on one thing: the future.

Specifically, he’s going to be thinking, planning and dreaming of a future with you by his side.

This can include saving more financially, talking about real estate, discussing having kids and more.

You’ll definitely get the feeling that he’s thinking about you as more than just someone he’s on the fence about.

There will be the clear knowledge that he sees you as his life partner and doesn’t factor into a future where you aren’t together.

He sees you as a pair and wants to be with you.

And he’s planning both the practical and romantic parts of that future.

Which means that a proposal and engagement could be much closer on the horizon than you imagine.

9) He goes extra quiet when the subject of marriage comes up

On the flip side of a guy who suddenly gets really interested in jewelry, marriage and wedding customs, is the guy who seems to become ultra shy about them.

Sometimes our reaction when something hits close to home is to get defensive or clam up, and this is how it is.

He acts like he’s never heard the word marriage or even knows what hand an engagement ring goes on.

He either laughs it off or goes kind of still and brushes the subject aside.

Granted, this can be the reaction of a man who’s scared to death of commitment and doesn’t ever plan to propose.

But it can also be the reaction of a guy who’s getting really close to popping the question but is terrified of getting it wrong and doesn’t want to reveal his hand too soon.

He’s dropping various hints

Men aren’t always the most subtle creatures, and asking a woman to marry you is a big deal!

For this reason, he may leak various hints unintentionally or even intentionally over the weeks and months prior to asking for your hand.

This can include jokes about getting married…

Talk about rings…

And humor around the subject of guys who are afraid to commit…

“Well, gosh, we all know about guys like that,” he may joke, rolling his eyes.

This can really be a way to tell you that he gets it and he knows he’s stalled long enough.

Is he really ready to take the plunge or just playing?

I guess you will find out in the very near future!

10) A special date for you is coming up

Is your anniversary approaching, your birthday or a special holiday that means a lot to you?

Alternately, it could be the date of a large concert or annual event that you just love.

If he’s going to propose and he knows you well, then chances are he will choose a day that means a lot to you.

So keep your eyes on upcoming dates that mean a lot to you or are significant for your relationship.

If he’s going to pick a date to pop the big question, it’s likely to be one of these dates.

And if it’s a random date, it will likely still be at a time of year when the weather is beautiful or there is some kind of festival or special occasion going on that he can fold the proposal into.

11) He’s touchy when you get near his phone or messages

This sign is a tricky one, because it’s well-known that men who are cheating or sexting are very protective of their phones.

But it’s not always the case that a phone-sensitive man is playing around on you.

Sometimes he’s actually trying to hide the big surprise from you that he’s planning to ask you to marry him.

This can leave quite a digital trail:

Ring shopping online, chatting to friends and family, all sorts of GIFs if he’s the GIF type, you name it.

He knows that if you pick up his phone you’re bound to get an inkling of what he’s up to and the whole surprise could be ruined.

Like Julia Malacoff puts it:

“To be fair, this could be a warning sign of something sinister, but if he’s usually an open book and lately he’s been careful to not leave you alone with his phone, he may not want you to see that he’s planning something big that involves your friends and family—like a marriage proposal.”

12) Your friends start dropping hints

Another one of the signs that he’s about to propose can come from your own friends.

If they start joking with you a lot about getting engaged or when your guy is going to make his move, consider that it could be because he’s been chatting to them about it.

Maybe this is their way of testing the waters for your reaction and warming you up a bit.

Stranger things have happened!

Those who know us best often have their finger on the pulse of what’s going on in our lives, and the same goes for your parents as well.

If you’ve been with your guy for quite awhile, it could just be random ribbing.

But if you suddenly notice it pick up all at once and the jokes come hard and fast, it could be a signal.

So pay attention if your friends seem to keep bringing up the subject of your boyfriend proposing. It might not just be random joking!

13) He’s got a very special upcoming occasion planned with you

Is there a restaurant or location you love a lot?

Maybe a harborside cruise that leaves in the evenings for a cruise around the bay…

Or a pumpkin patch walk near Halloween that’s part of a local fall festival…

These are all tailor-made for asking someone to marry you.

You might think it’s only in romantic comedy movies, but it’s in real life, too.

Plus, men know that women put a lot of importance on romantic occasions like this and they want to make the day – and the photos – as special as possible.

For that reason, if he doesn’t line up his proposal with a date that’s special to the both of you, he’ll likely still do his best to make sure it’s part of some kind of beautiful local scenery…

Even if it’s just a wonderful night out at a local winery, or a trip to the theater for a production of your favorite musical.

When is the big day coming?

If he’s showing many of the signs above, then you can be confident that the big day is coming soon.

Guys all move at different speeds, but a man in love knows that commitment is an important factor for women.

And if he really loves you, then he’s going to want to claim his prize.

Nonetheless:

If you want to be sure he’ll propose soon, there’s one more thing you can do: make sure you make him feel truly needed and wanted.

James Bauer, a relationship expert warns you about this – if you don’t make him feel like a hero, he might not fully commit to you.

According to his fascinating concept called the Hero Instinct, what you need to do to make him truly yours is to appeal directly to his primal instincts.

And since this free video reveals exactly how to trigger your man’s hero instinct, you could make this change as early as today.

With the help of James Bauer’s incredible concept, you can make him see you as the only woman for him. He won’t hesitate to propose to you anymore.

Here’s a link to his excellent free video again.

How to offer an IT product to the market if users do not yet know that they need it / Habr

As a small research showed, a lot of materials about product development management are presented on Habré. A lot of theory is devoted to how to bring your project to the market, position it correctly and find an audience. But, as you understand, when it comes to practice, there are a number of interesting nuances. In this post on the LANIT blog, I will share my experience of bringing a product to the market for which there was no niche before. I am sure that the history of creating our product from scratch will be useful to those who are thinking about promoting their own solution.

Last time on , I told you how the PASS24.online service appeared – a cloud platform for automating the issuance of guest and permanent passes – and how exactly it works. This time I want to focus on another aspect, namely positioning and promotion, gathering feedback and further development.

If you have read the previous post, you know that I actually started developing this product for myself. That is, the need for such a solution was not only obvious, but felt in their own skin. It would seem that this greatly simplifies the sales process, because the needs of the consumer lie on the surface.

In product management, there is such an approach as working with personas. For each, she signs why she needs a product, the attitude, requests, pains that we help to solve are fixed. Very often features follow from this. In general, the topic is useful.

But the person may not be aware of their needs

In practice, the person may not be aware that she needs something, especially when it comes to a really new product. That is, to put it simply, a person perfectly understands why he needs cloud storage if he uses it every day. He can make a choice, determine the advantages of one cloud over another. But if he has never brushed his teeth with an irrigator (and at the same time is quite satisfied with life), then he may not suspect that he needs it, and even more so he will not be able to determine which of the gadgets on the market is better.

Therefore, I had to conduct dozens of personal conversations, talk with the heads of management companies, owners of security agencies, the administration of business centers and sensitive facilities.

Do you know what is most interesting? In 90% of cases, people were sure that the issue of organizing and automating access had already been resolved for them. One of the examples is the use of a messenger: applications come to the security guard in Telegram, which means we have moved away from phone calls and a large paper book, right? Many used some kind of automation elements, for example, based on Excel. That is, the need for digitalization of the process was obvious, and everyone solved it in their own way. Yes, it was better than before, and often it was an excuse to relax. And for me – a reason to strain. Indeed, in order to convince potential users of the benefits of PASS24.online, it was first necessary to study existing processes, to consider current pains in real conditions.

As a result, the breakdown of benefits by person began to look like this.

The owners of residential premises absolutely do not want to call security so that someone can visit them or drive into the territory. Yes, many do not even think about it until there is some ready-made solution (“what, could it be?”). But the biggest problem here is that in a cottage settlement, residents cannot decide on the implementation of the system themselves.

Installation of the PASS24.online system on site

Management companies , on the contrary, make decisions, but for them the benefits of such a decision are not always obvious. Indeed, at first glance, it seems that the introduction of something new incurs only additional costs – both for software or services, and for gadgets. Therefore, I had to tell many times that our product allows you to put things in order in working with contractors, and also helps … reduce utility bills. It turns out that if the tenant is used to a convenient service, and you turn it off for non-payment, then the debts are paid off faster.

Installation of ZKTeco biometric terminals and Tantos QR readers on site

Security agencies is another category of beneficiaries of the new service. They may feel like they have already automated processes. But after looking for potential points of growth, I determined that they can increase the productivity of their employees. Instead of fiddling with paperwork or chatting on Telegram, security guards can reduce the number of employees, because they no longer need to check numbers to answer calls and call residents themselves.

Need your product to be tried

For better or worse, most of the benefits shown above can only be experienced through use. Therefore, of all the models for distributing and monetizing products, in our case, it was the subscription mode that was suitable. Only in this case, management companies, security agencies and other potential consumers were ready to start working with our product, i. e. at zero cost to yourself and with support from our side.

It is very important here to turn off the desire to immediately earn money and focus on instilling in consumers the desire to continue using your solution. Most often, we offered a cloud connection with a free period of 1-3 months. By the way, such a move can be used for any product or service that can be sold by subscription. If you have done something really useful, they are more likely to try it for free and stay with you if they like it. In the case of PASS24.online, we got penetration among residents of cottage settlements at level 90-95% and this proves that the user’s needs have been hit. It is convenient for homeowners and they use the application.

Installation of Hikvision cameras and a barrier at the site of a cottage village

Further development

in other areas.

Business and office centers can also automate the work with visitors. Issuing and ordering passes in digital format allows you to reduce security costs, as well as billing for a new service directly to tenants.

Installation of an access control system on doors: readers, controllers

enterprises can reduce delays at checkpoints, while at the same time ensuring high appreciation of the work of the security service by top managers. The guards stop making mistakes, because only those people and vehicles that the responsible people requested are allowed into the territory.

It is interesting that these niches were connected later, when we had already gained a certain consumer base in residential areas. And it was right – on the one hand, we have already accumulated some positive experience. On the other hand, interest from the commercial sphere began to show exactly those customers who had already worked with our product as private users.

Feedback and a clear strategy

I believe that feedback is a very important point in project development. It must be collected constantly. For example, even in the comments to Last post I received some useful thoughts from active users. Also, during testing and trial access, it is usually possible to collect wishes and consider whether to include them in the backlog.

By the way, such functions as “ invitation” appeared just as a result of working out the wishes of users. Support for tokens, new features in applications are also being implemented as requests are received. This approach allows you to develop the project, creating what users want to see. And this is important.

Looking back, I understand that we could try to create some very cool features, implement something rare and unique. But this would greatly complicate the project, and instead of forming a niche, we would be developing, which, perhaps, no one would have appreciated at that stage.

Ready to create a new niche?

Summing up, I would like to note that the development of a project in a new niche is interesting and promising (because you immediately become a leader in it). But at the same time, as my experience has shown, a number of factors must be taken into account at once.

• You will need to spend a huge amount of personal time and literally nurture your project.

• You will have to repeat the same thing many, many times, and at the same time remember to hear other people.

• Don’t splurge on interesting features, but create something that will immediately solve a significant part of the pain that your product/project is aimed at.

• Focus on the most accommodating part of customers and only after a positive experience expand the range of customers.

• When developing a product, focus on user requests, and not on primary ideas formed at the start of the project.

If you had a similar practice, share it in the comments. And if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them based on my experience.

A Chinese friend of the Russian Federation is going to Kiev: what will he offer

Dmitry Medvedev and Li Hui

Beijing is sending its special representative to Ukraine, who was awarded the Order of Friendship medal by Vladimir Putin.

Chinese Special Representative for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui will begin his tour of Europe on Monday, May 15. He will first visit Kyiv, then France, Germany and Poland to “discuss a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis,” and finish Lee’s trip in Russia.

It should be noted that Hui was China’s ambassador to Moscow for a decade until 2019 and is considered a “true friend” in the Russian Federation, moreover, before leaving for Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin presented him with the Order of Friendship medal. This, of course, worries the Ukrainians, but in Kyiv they say that they will stand their ground and will not make concessions to Russia.

Message from Beijing

China’s Foreign Ministry said in a release that it would send its special envoy to Kyiv and Moscow next week to “negotiate to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.”

“Ambassador Li Hui will visit Ukraine, Poland, France, Germany and Russia to communicate with all parties on a political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a press conference.

Li’s trip will demonstrate “China’s commitment to promoting peace and negotiations,” he said.

“This fully shows that China is firmly on the side of peace. China is ready to continue to play a constructive role in achieving international consensus on a ceasefire, ending the war, opening peace talks and avoiding the escalation of the situation,” Wang said.

Background of the visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping last month, during his first conversation with Volodymyr Zelensky after Russia’s full-scale invasion, announced that Beijing would send a representative to Ukraine. At the time, the West took the gesture as a desire by the Chinese leader to strengthen his image as a global peacemaker after he came under pressure for not condemning the war and Vladimir Putin himself.

Note that the conversation with Zelensky took place shortly after the Chinese ambassador to France questioned the sovereignty of other former Soviet states under international law.