NEW YORK — Some people just can’t take a hint. A new survey finds it takes 36 hints over the course of almost eight months for the average person to get their significant other to propose.
The OnePoll survey of 2,000 engaged Americans revealed 54 percent said dropping hints to their partner encouraged them to propose. However, it took some longer than others to pick up on it.
‘Accidental texts’ make for popular engagement hints
The most common hint Americans use is “accidentally” sending texts or emails with advertisements for rings (59%). That was followed by purposefully putting on shows or movies about weddings (like “Say Yes to the Dress”) to spark a conversation (45%), and enlisting their friends to start conversations about engagements (38%).
Respondents also admitted to leaving open tabs and websites about weddings (37%) and casually pointing out rings while shopping together (31%). Commissioned by De Beers, the survey discovered that while these hints work for some, others still have these clues go over their heads.
Of those who proposed, half the poll (49%) said they got so tired of waiting for their partner to get down on one knee, they decided to propose to their partner themselves. Regardless of who in the relationship proposed, 75 percent said there’s nothing in their proposal they would change and 67 percent enjoy sharing their “proposal story” with friends and family.
Know your rings when it comes to proposing
When it comes to the proposal itself, respondents said the most important piece is the ring (51%). That’s even more important than their partner saying “yes” (17%). Other important pieces of the proposal include the photos, both during and afterward (38%) and who else is present during the proposal (36%).
Fifty-six percent believe the ring is so important that it can’t be a “real” proposal without one.
“Getting engaged is one of the most emotionally intense experiences many people go through,” says Sally Morrison from the De Beers Group in a statement. “Taking the time to plan the details that will make this a truly special, memorable moment sets the tone for a lifetime of ‘being engaged’ in each other — listening, paying attention and demonstrating love with carefully chosen words and acts.”
Despite the importance of the ring itself, less than half (38%) of those who proposed to their partner knew their ring size ahead of time. Of those who did, the most common way they discovered their partner’s ring size was by taking another ring to estimate (27%). Another 23 percent measured their partner’s finger with string or something similar and 19 percent said their partner went shopping with them.
Which ring is the right one?
Not only is the size important, but so is the style. The most common gemstone for engagement rings is still, of course, the diamond. For those who have a diamond in their engagement ring, the most common cut is a princess cut (44%).
“An engagement ring signifies a huge milestone in a relationship and is a symbol of bringing together the lives of two people. There’s a lot of pressure to get it just right,” Morrison adds. “But the most important thing to keep in mind is the person you’re buying the ring for. Choosing a style they will be proud to wear and one that reflects their personality will ensure that the ring will be worn and cherished for a lifetime.”