Chances are, your social-media feeds are about to be clogged with engagement posts. December is the most popular month to pop the question. Maybe you're considering the plunge yourself, but you're not convinced you're ready. How do you know it's time to bid farewell to the bachelor lifestyle and get married? That requires, among other things, the right mindset, personal growth and specific kinds of maturity. Here are five ways to be sure you're there. Then check out the report that's already changed thousands of lives: 100 Ways to Live to 100!
1 | You're Ready to Share and Build a Life With Someone Else
The bachelor life can be great — no responsibility, no limits! — but do you find yourself yearning to share and build a life with someone else? Your college friends and colleagues are great social outlets, but if you want to share the highs and lows of your day with more than a container of expensive takeout and the DVR, then it's time to take the next step in your relationship. For his book, Why Men Marry Some Women and Not Others, John Malloy interviewed 2,500 men from ages 17 to 70 who were about to marry. Most admitted they felt increasingly out of place in the bars and clubs that were once their favorite hangouts.
2 | You're Not Afraid of Commitment
There was a time (maybe in the not-too-distant past) when everything about the idea of settling down with another person was seriously unappealing. But you've grown and matured since your post-collegiate days. Now you find there's actually something really exhilarating about unrivaled devotion to something other than your favorite sports team. That kind of mindfulness is just one of these 25 Ways to be Happier Now!
3 | Your Family Pestering You Is No Longer Terrifying
And exactly how do you know if you're not afraid of commitment anymore? For starters, your family interrogating you at holidays about when you're going to the knot doesn't bother you. Instead, you've lived enough to know that you want the security of spending the rest of your life (ideally) with someone you love. There's something romantic and traditional in that notion that appeals to you in a way it never has before.
4 | You Realize What You Want and Don't Want From a Significant Other
Past relationships have taught you what you want (loyalty, unwavering support) and don't want (selfishness, arrogance) from someone. Now, do you believe you've found your true love and are ready to start acting like a husband? Relationship expert April Masini, author of Date Out of Your League, tells today.com, "When a man is ready to become a husband, he starts acting like a husband. For instance, he will make plans for the future, introduce you to his friends and family, and not only call you daily but want to tell you the details of his day and have a desire to hear about yours." To keep the home fires burning, check out our exclusive guide to the Secrets of the Best Relationships!
5 | You're Willing to Put Your Happiness Behind Someone Else's
With maturity comes putting someone else's desires ahead of your own. If you're ready and willing to skip happy hour because your significant other had a bad day and needs to talk it out, that indicates you're prepared to take the plunge. There's no need to shirk your own needs, but if yours is a love for the ages, making her happy will be what matters most.
