I proposed to my soulmate, but it was a decade too late.

A Redditor recently shared their experience of proposing "too late" to their girlfriend and being rejected. The post sparked a discussion about the perfect timing for engagements and the importance of open communication in relationships.

Engagement stories, whether simple or extravagant, are always a timeless classic. They are something that married couples often reminisce about years after tying the knot. However, as much as we want them to, proposals don't always go as planned. The best-case scenario is that the couple has discussed marriage beforehand and the proposal is not a surprise. But, in the worst-case scenario, the proposal is rejected, as was the case for one Redditor who waited "too long" to propose to his girlfriend.

The Redditor, @Inevitable_Stand_240, shared in the offmychest Reddit thread, "I proposed to my girlfriend of 10 years yesterday, and she said no because I took too long." They were excited and handed their girlfriend the ring, but she ultimately turned them down, saying, "Sorry, I don't think we should get married." She explained that she didn't want to be known as the girl who took a decade to be considered "wifey material" and couldn't see herself being happy with that reality. The Redditor was devastated, and didn't know what to do.

Many commenters asked if the couple had ever discussed marriage before, and whether the delay in proposing was due to a slow down in their discussions. It raised the question of whether there is ever a "perfect" time to get engaged.

According to a YouGov poll, 58% of Britons believed that waiting around two years was appropriate, while 3% thought that five years or more was more suitable. However, as sex and relationships expert Rhian Kivits explains, there are no set rules around timelines for engagements. It's a significant milestone for many couples, as it marks a commitment and intention to spend the rest of their lives together. But in today's world, engagement can mean different things to different people, and some may choose to be engaged without ever getting married.

But what happens when one partner isn't ready to get engaged, or in this case, takes "too long" to propose? According to Rhian, they may be unsure about wanting marriage in the future or need more time to explore the relationship.

It can be tempting to drop hints or try to push for a proposal, but dating expert Hayley Quinn warns against it. She believes that people need to come to their own conclusions about what they want and that trying to push for an outcome can negatively affect one's self-esteem. Instead, the key is to communicate openly and honestly with your partner about your feelings and expectations for the future.

Rhian also stresses the importance of climbing the "mountain" of a relationship at the pace of the slowest person. Rushing readiness can lead to disaster. And in a situation where a partner declines a proposal for "waiting too long," Rhian suggests that there may be underlying issues in the relationship that need to be addressed.

In the end, it's essential to have clarity and shared expectations in a relationship. Everyone is entitled to want what they want, but it's crucial to have open communication and make sure that both partners are on the same page.

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