When you find someone to share your life with, it can be very special. Everyone deserves a shot at love, and getting engaged is a wonderful way to take a relationship to the next level. Unfortunately, same-sex couples often grapple with a few different things when it comes to the established traditions surrounding marriage. If you want to propose to your partner, you may be holding yourself back from taking action because you have a handful of questions you need to address first. While the rituals and traditions surrounding marriage change every few years, clarity can always help a confusing situation. Look over these tips on same-sex engagements, and find the answers you require.

Who Takes Action?

In a heterosexual relationship, there are a handful of established traditions that dictate the engagement process. According to ritual, it is commonplace for the man to pop the question to his girlfriend. For same-sex couples, the question of “who asks who” tends to come up a lot. When two men are dating, for example, both might feel inclined to get down on one knee with a ring in hand. The important thing to remember is that there is no correct way to go about asking your significant other to get hitched.

Even heterosexual couples are breaking away from the traditions surrounding marriage. It is normal for a woman to ask her boyfriend to get married. In fact, many couples prefer having an open conversation about the idea. When you are concerned about whether you should be the one asking your partner to tie the knot, it may mean it is a good time to bring the topic up and have a discussion. You may discover you both want the exact same things for the future.

Ring Questions

Another area where same-sex couples struggle is the rings. In a heterosexual relationship, it traditionally falls on the man to select an appropriate ring to signify the engagement. Of course, this is another thing that has changed over the years. Plenty of women have had to endure receiving a ring that doesn’t fit quite right, leading to the trend of allowing a bride to select her own ring. In a same-sex relationship, the same rules can apply. Take a trip together to a jeweler at some point, and give yourselves a chance to point out appealing options.

You may also find you want to ditch the rings entirely. Not all couples are into the idea of wearing rings, and it shouldn’t be an issue that is forced. Instead, use this as an opportunity to discover an alternative that works better for both of you. From matching tattoos to elegant necklaces, you are sure to find a more appropriate fit by exploring what is available.

Open Communication

No matter what you decide to do, it is crucial you maintain open communication with your partner at every step. You may feel like it is the right time to tie the knot, but your partner might feel like your relationship is still too new. Not having this conversation in advance can lead to a very uncomfortable moment when you decide to pull out a ring during dinner. Establishing the right communication habits now can also help your relationship in the long run. Couples who know how to speak to one another usually have an easier time with conflict.

Getting engaged is a lovely way to take your relationship to the next level. Of course, you need to also make sure you’re going about the process in the right way. Before you make any sudden decisions, be sure to speak with your partner. Have an open discussion and see how these tips on same-sex engagements can make the idea work for both of you.