How do I propose to him? Ring or no ring?

Question

I have been dating my boyfriend for almost 5 years now, I am 26 and he is 24, and now I am ready for marriage.
But the only problem is do I buy the ring? I know if he were to propose to me I would get the diamond ring. So what do I do? How do I do it? This is something that I have wanted to do for the past 6 months but get stummped when it comes time for the actual proposal...ring...no ring? Do I buy myself a ring???
Can someone out there give me some hints or pointers? Everything else is set such as location plans and such,...except for that part.
Thanx so much for taking the time to read this.
Take care.

Wow. Thanx for all the responces and support. I love it!
Yes we have talked about it. Its a weekly converstion piece around here, and I WANT to be the one to propose to him.
When we talk about it, I tell him "yah when the time comes we will get married but not anytime soon my love, we are still not settled". I say those things just to throw him off...but in reality I am ready and wanting to do it so bad, but there are still the little details...like the ring...lol.
But thank you all so much for the love and support!

Answer 1

I love all of the 'he should do it' replies. Rubbish. I admire a woman who wants to propose to her man. I'd take a non-prissy, confident lady over these dainty 'he should do it' girls any day of the week.

I say get him whatever you feel is right. If, say, nothing feels right go with nothing. He shouldn't be hurt about you proposing to him without a ring/gift/etc. That's just the kind of stuff we men don't latch on to. You're going to break the mold once, may as well go for two. =]

Answer 2

Don't propose to him. Don't buy the ring. The guy still does that, even in these changing times. Just keep hinting to him that you feel ready for marriage or that your relationship is ready for the final step. If he doesn't propose you won't get married.

Answer 3

No ring but tell him that you are ready to have him pick one out for you. Do NOT pay for it yourself. Big mistake.

Invite him to a nice restaurant. Go there ahead of time and set it up. Have them bring him a drink with an umbrella or a little sign in it that says, "Will you marry me?"
Don't waste any time picking a date either. It sounds like he is the kind of guy who will stay engaged for another 5 years or so.

Answer 4

So is he ready? Usually the bloke proposes, but hey, you can get him a diamond ring, i'm sure he won't mind. As long as it matches his handbag and stilettos. Maybe even ask him if he prefers any other stone. If he says no, then you could marry a real man.

Answer 5

I say buy a ring! I think it's great that you are abandoning the tradiitonal "rules" and doing what you feel is right for you. I'm sure that when you accepts he will buy you a ring too.

Best Wishes!

Answer 6

The man needs to be a man and get you the ring and propose himself.

Answer 7

perfect aspect is to grant her the engagement ring and in the route of the marriage provide her the band. the in basic terms accent a lady expects on the concept day is the engagement ring. sturdy success!

Answer 8

Ya buy him a simple band. When he says yes and is smart enough, he should go right to the store and get you a fat rock! So exciting!! Congrats!!

Answer 9

GO FOR IT! Buy a ring and ask him. You'll purchase the ring anyway if he had asked you.
As for your ring...let him purchase that one for you.
Good luck and God Bless.

Answer 10

have you discussed marriage? it seems to me if you were "ready" and he was too he would ask you. when i was dating my husband we had discussed marriage and then i hinted a bit and he asked me. like when he wanted to live together i looked at my hand and cleared my throat.....or i walked around humming the wedding song (dum dum de dum). if he wants to marry you he will get the hint.