Listen up fellas. Proposing to your longtime girlfriend takes foresight and planning. Muck it up and you might get an answer you don't like. Well, she will probably overlook your gaping error in light of your overall happiness as a couple, but nonetheless, try and get it right. You only have one shot at this, and the memory will last a lifetime, good or bad. So grab a seat on the nearest garden bench and listen up on how to propose outdoors.
First of all, you might be wondering, what's the deal with the garden bench? Here are three reasons why you shouldn't go without:
1. It's the perfect height ratio of sitting to kneeling on one knee
2. She's already sitting if she swoons/faints
3. It's perfect for pre- and post-proposal cuddling
Outdoor proposals are some of the most scenic and intimate around, but there are a lot more factors to consider and less you have control over than proposing in the comfort and safety of your home, a restaurant, etc. Plan what you can and you leave less to chance that way. Here are some hopefully useful tips.
Tip #1: Plan What You're Going to Say Ahead of Time
This should be a no-brainer, but you'd be amazed at how many guys will go into this winging it. You wouldn't give a speech without preparing for it, why leave this up to your improvisation skills? Remember, in a high stress situation, your adrenaline is pumping and it's much harder to concentrate on what you're doing.
If you have your shtick down verbatim there's less chance of stumbling over your words. That being said, don't reel off your list
about her admirable qualities like you're reading off of a piece of paper. When you're sitting with her on your garden bench, feeding the birds, whispering sweet nothings, or whatever you're doing, take a moment to relax. Go over what you are going to say and take a few deep breaths.
Tip #2: Pick Your Setting Wisely
Yes, you've got the lovely antique garden bench, the flowering tree nearby, the sound of birds singing, the whole deal. But what about the homeless man urinating three trees over? Or the sound of traffic, or construction, or the smell of the nearby sewer?
As much as you wouldn't think it, sensory experience is strongly linked to memory, especially smell. While you can't control every single distraction within your area, you can at least try and pick an area that's away from the majority of them. If you're in a park, go deep within it away from the sounds of the city. If you're in your backyard, put the dog away for a moment.
Tip # 3: Check the Weather that Day
Nothing says foreshadowing like an ominous thunder clap right as you get to "will you marry me?" Weather forecasts change on a daily basis, so checking the week beforehand is too soon, but checking the day of is a good idea. Rain definitely will put a damper on the occasion. Likewise, if she's wearing something light and it's freezing, she'll be too busy thinking about getting warm to give you all her attention.
The bottom line is this: proposing isn't rocket science, but a little preparation can turn a great moment into the perfect moment.
Author Resource:-
Todd Arend is a freelance writing professional whose expertise covers a variety of areas, including patio and backyard furniture, landscaping and design. He regularly writes about Garden Benches and Stone Garden Benches.
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