The #1 Proposal Tip Women Wish Their Boyfriends Knew

Hi, friend!

If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you’re planning to propose soon—first of all, congratulations!

That’s huge.

You’re about to create one of the most meaningful memories of your life.

Now, before you start stressing about ring boxes or photographer angles, I want to let you in on the one thing most women I know wished their boyfriends had done differently when proposing.

They didn’t wish for a bigger ring, a more elaborate setup, or even a surprise photographer hiding behind a palm tree.

They all said the same thing: “I just wish he hadn’t rushed through it. I wish he told me why he wanted to marry me.”

Why This Matters

When a man gets down on one knee, adrenaline kicks in.

You might have imagined this moment for months—but when it finally arrives, nerves can take over.

That’s why so many men rush through the words.

Not because they don’t know how they feel… but because they didn’t slow down ahead of time to put those feelings into words.

And that’s where preparation matters.

Because the moments right before you say “Will you marry me?” are the ones she’ll carry with her forever.

She won’t just remember that you asked.

She’ll remember why.

What Women Really Want to Hear

I’ve talked to so many friends about their engagement stories.

And while every single one of them loved the moment, many of them admitted—quietly—that they wished their proposal had felt a little more meaningful.

Not bigger.
Not more elaborate.
Just more intentional.

Even something as simple as hearing why they were being chosen would have made all the difference.

Words like:

• “You’ve changed my life for the better.”

• “I can’t imagine walking through anything without you.”

• “You make me want to be a better man.”

It doesn’t need to be a speech, a poem, or heck—even a Hallmark card (actually, please no).

Women don’t just want a proposal.

They want to feel the meaning behind it.

And that kind of meaning almost always comes from a little preparation.

Our Story

Me (Amanda) with my husband Cody.

When my husband Cody proposed, he didn’t rush through it.

We were on a family vacation, standing on the beach in Southern California at sunset—Crystal Cove, if you’re curious.

He simply told me why he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me.

And then he thanked me for who I was, how I supported him, and how I made his life better.

Then he got down on one knee and my heart skipped a beat.

The moment was completely perfect and absolutely unforgettable.

That moment—those words—truly meant everything to me.

The One Thing You Should Do Before You Propose

Say why you want to marry her.

Even just one or two well-chosen sentences can make all the difference.

And here’s my honest advice: take the time to think about it ahead of time.

Write it down. Sit with it. Let the words settle.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

It’s worth preparing for.

If you’re not sure where to start, these prompts can help you find the words:

1. What first made you fall in love with her?

2. When did you realize she was “the one”?

3. How has she changed your life or helped you grow?

You don’t need to write a speech.

You don’t need to sound polished or perfect.

But you do want to know what you’re going to say.

So when the moment comes, take a breath.

Look her in the eye.

And tell her—clearly and intentionally—why she’s the one you can’t imagine doing life without.

Why It’s So Meaningful

When the butterflies and excitement from the wedding fade and married life begins—when jobs get stressful or babies cry at 3 a.m.—that’s when the words you spoke will matter most.

Your proposal story becomes an anchor.

A reminder of the love that started it all.

So slow down.

Let her see your heart.

Because long after she forgets what the sunset looked like, she’ll remember what you said and how it made her feel.

This moment doesn’t need to be loud or elaborate.

It just needs to be intentional.

Take your time.

Say why.

And let the rest take care of itself.

💛 Want help finding the right words before proposing?

I created a free guide called The Proposal Prep Notes — three simple prompts to help you slow down and say what matters most.