Asking someone to marry you is likely one of the most important questions you will ever ask. It’s not every day you ask the person you love to spend the rest of his or her life with you. Because of this, the thought of popping the question may have you freaking out a little. Even if you have been with your partner for a long time and know that you are meant to be, it’s natural to feel a little nervous. There’s no one right way to propose to someone, and the right approach really depends on your partner’s personality. There are, however, some mistakes you should avoid. Avoiding these mistakes can help prevent something from going wrong and can ensure the proposal goes the way you want it to.

Not Thinking It Through

Sometimes, it may seem like the moment is just right to propose. Even if you are sure you are with the person you want to be with for the rest of your life, this is something you should think through. Make sure the two of you are compatible and that the person feels the same way about you. You should also consider planning out the proposal. It doesn’t necessarily have to be anything over the top such as popping the question on the jumbotron at a baseball game (although if the two of you are baseball fans, this could be the perfect way). Just have an idea of how you want to propose instead of making it a spur-of-the-moment thing. You’ll likely be much happier with the outcome if you put a little planning and perhaps a little creativity in it.

Not Having a Ring

Some same-sex couples don’t use engagement rings. However, if you are planning on using one, then have it ready at the time of the proposal. This helps show that you have been thinking about the proposal for a while and that it is something you really want. Whether or not you wear an engagement ring too is up to you. Your future spouse may want to buy you one, or you may be perfectly content just having him or her have the engagement ring. There’s no right or wrong way to do this.

Making It Public If Your Partner Is Shy

For some people, proposing in the middle of a restaurant or some other crowded location is perfect. This is mainly true for people who are more outgoing and enjoy being the center of attention. Consider your partner’s personality before you decide to do something public. Some people are very private and don’t want to be the center of attention. A proposal that draws other people’s attention may make your partner incredibly uncomfortable and even embarrass him or her. Even if it’s something you would prefer, remember that your future spouse may not enjoy a public proposal if he or she tends to be more of an introvert.

Doing It at the Wrong Time

Timing can be everything when it comes to a proposal. There may be times when proposing isn’t the greatest idea. This might include times like:

• If your partner has recently lost a loved one
• He or she is going through something like a job loss
• The two of you haven’t been getting along very well

In these kinds of situations, it’s best to wait until things have settled down before proposing.

As you can see, all of these potential mistakes are pretty easy to avoid. What’s most important is that you think the proposal through and do it in a way that your partner will appreciate. Don’t forget things like the engagement ring and speak from the heart when proposing. This can help ensure your proposal is how you had hoped it would be.