Will He Ever Propose?

You've been going out and having a great time together with your man for a while now, and you're assuming that he'll pop the question anytime now and move on to a long-term relationship. You've been enjoying life like married couples do anyway, so why don't you just make it official, right?

But is this really the next best step? Or are you thinking that this is the next best step based on your own timetable?

The more you pressure him into committing, the more you'll get the opposite of what you're hoping to achieve. Stop expecting and trying to figure out whether or not he's about to propose. For instance, if he asks you what kind of jewelry you like, do you automatically assume that he's buying you a ring? If you suddenly tell your family and friends that he's going to be proposing to you soon, you'll set yourself up for disappointment and embarrassment when the "proposal" doesn't come around.

You may also be straining the relationship if you have these unrealistic expectations:

1. Assuming that you both want the same thing.

You may feel that electrifying connection and think that you are both on the same page when it comes to the relationship. And because he seems to be enjoying himself, you might think that this is what he wants as well.

When you realize that he doesn't want to go the same direction as you, then you get hurt - big time. Women have the tendency to think that men should be able to read their minds. Well, news flash: He's not a mind reader, even if you think he loves you that much.

2. Expecting too much.

If you've been assuming that he'll give you the ring soon, but you haven't even discussed going into a deeper commitment yet, then you're bound to be disappointed. Expecting the relationship to go a certain direction is one thing, but not discussing the expectation is another.

When the expectations are so intense that you're finding it hard to sleep at night, it may be best to talk them over with him. Just make sure not to sound like you're pressuring him to commit, otherwise you'll get exactly the opposite.

3. Thinking of the word "commitment" too soon.

You may be enjoying the relationship to the fullest, giving the best of who you are physically and emotionally. The way your conversations are going and your physical intimacy makes you think that you are really going somewhere, so you think that he'll propose real soon. But in reality, he enjoys being with you, but living a life together may not have crossed his mind yet.

The kind of woman he wants to commit to is one who doesn't worry about where things are headed. This kind of woman won't threaten to leave if he won't step up to the same level of commitment that she "has."

Instead, make him feel that you're the only woman he should be with now and in the future by having realistic expectations based on honesty and good communication. Stop worrying when he will really pop the question and continue enjoying the relationship. Besides, when he does go down on his knee and present an engagement ring, wouldn't it be more fun if he did it when you least expected it?