Should you propose if you do not know whether your partner wants marriage?
Have a direct conversation about marriage before arranging a proposal if you do not know whether your partner wants it. An audience, expensive ring, or surprise trip cannot replace shared readiness. The proposal should not be used to force a decision.
How is uncertainty different from normal nerves?
You may know your partner wants marriage and still feel nervous about speaking. That is different from never having discussed commitment or hearing them express doubts. Name what you are uncertain about before deciding whether to continue planning.
What should you say instead of proposing?
Explain that you are thinking seriously about your future and ask how they feel. Listen without turning the discussion into an argument about how long you have waited or how much you have spent.
What if they need more time?
Respect that answer and agree on whether another conversation would be helpful. Do not book a public proposal to change their mind. A meaningful commitment depends on both people being free to choose it.
What are people discussing on Reddit?
These related discussions inspired the topic. The answer above is original Proposal Tips guidance, not a quotation or a claim that Reddit users all agree.
A timing discussion considers special dates and ordinary days.
A private proposal preference conflicts with family expectations.