We all go through tough times with the men in our lives from time to time. Sometimes these relationship problems are long-lasting, other times, they’re short-lived. Sometimes, they’re enough to break up a marriage… yet other times, we come out of them feeling closer to our guy than we ever did before.

Regardless of any circumstance, and no matter how great of a conversationalist you consider yourself to be, don’t you always wonder what really goes through a guy’s mind when he acts a certain way? Wouldn’t you just love to know what prompts certain actions (you know, the ones that make you wanna strangle him at times)?

Well, now you can!

Olicious Life has gathered a panel of our very own resident everyday guys. We’ve got a team of single, engaged, and married men in their 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s who are excitedly awaiting to respond to all of your burning “What’s he thinking?!” questions.

Please send in your questions to Submissions@OliciousLife.com. If you’d like to write to us anonymously, you may do so through here, AnonymousFeedback.com. Life If you’d like to chat with ladies, instead, stop by our relationship forum!

Editor’s note: OliciousLife.com or any of our authors or affiliates are not responsible for any action or non-action by the individual whose question appears below. Any information posted in this or any other article or post relating to this or any other question submitted to OliciousLife.com or any of its authors or affiliates are for entertainment purposes only. The below advice is not to be construed as legal advice, marriage counseling, or life coaching, and is not intended as such.

I’m Proposing to My Boyfriend!

My boyfriend and I have been dating for almost a year now, and I’m ready to propose. I know that this isn’t a common thing to do, but we are supposed to be liberated and equal to men, so if I’m ready to marry, why should I wait, right?

This is how I see it but I don’t want to scare him off because I do love him very much. I know he loves me too, so I assume he will say yes, but of course there are no guarantees, so I am nervous.

I do want your feedback on not only a woman proposing to her man but also on how I can be unique.

Just how do you think I should do this?

I want to give him my dad’s ring, but do I get on one knee? All online proposing tips are for men and I’m having a hard time coming up with a memorable way that will make my proposition irresistible to him.

Answer

That’s fantastic, I’m very happy for you! It’s great to hear that you’re so in love, that you’re willing to propose to him. It’s great that you are in a caring, loving relationship and are ready for marriage. There aren’t too many happy endings these days, and I sincerely wish you the best of luck.

This also shows that you’re an independent woman, strong willed, know what you want, and aren’t afraid to go after it. You seem like a great catch. He’s a lucky guy!

I do agree with you on the fact that in today’s society, women are equal to men and should feel liberated and free to do whatever they want.

It’s been a long time since women did nothing but stay home, cook, clean, do the dishes, and take care of the kids. Being a “Mr. mom” is very common these days, and most guys would agree that an independent, strong woman is great to have as a partner in life. To be able to work together as equals and partners in the relationship should make for a long-lasting marriage — whether that means you work as a housewife, or are out working all day 9 to 5.

Most women us guys come across, unfortunately are ones who only want our money, want to go shopping and hang out with the girls while paying someone else to cook, clean, and take care of the kids; its truly a shame for quality family life.

The Heart of the Matter

You have been dating this guy for a year, and you’re confident in the fact that this is the right time? For how long have you known him?
I’m a believer that it takes more than a year to decide if you should marry a person, but that’s just a personal belief. I think for the first couple of years, most people are still “putting the good foot forward.”

You haven’t seen all the other person’s faults and habits that may drive you insane. It’s not the good parts that drive people apart, it’s the little OCD-type things that people pick apart, get annoyed by, and can’t stand. It’s the person’s habits and faults that you have to worry about, and those will not come out on display during the first year.

Just something to think about. Either way, as long as you’re sure that you are ready, I’m happy.

Good Ways to Propose?

There are tons! Do you have a favorite restaurant? Maybe a place where you met for the first time?

Proposing shouldn’t feel forced, and it should come from within your heart. If you feel it’s right to do it a certain way, then by all means, do so. So many people get married every day; I doubt that whichever way you pick hasn’t already been done by somebody.

It’s more about both of you remembering your special day. I know I’ll always remember the day I proposed to my wife. I was more nervous than I’d ever been in my whole life, and couldn’t stop shaking the entire night when we went out to dinner.

I’m sure she knew something was up. I just asked her right after dinner, when I was walking her to the car.

It was at the restaurant where we went on our first date. The place wasn’t anything special, but the moment was. I played our song in the car after we got in, and we sat there holding each other, looking deeply into each other’s eyes. I was still shaking.

We were madly in love and still are, to this day. I know I’ll remember that day forever. I still think of it like it was yesterday and remember all the little details.

Again, it wasn’t the place that made it special, it was the connection we shared and the feelings we felt. If it’s not meant to be, then proposing while riding camels in the Sahara desert, drinking a $25k bottle of champagne, eating caviar fed to you by a top French Chef, being led to the latest wild elephant watering hole by Kiriku the desert guide — ain’t going to help.

I mean, you can try and be original. But while trying to be original, you may end up being a cliché. It’s hard to plan something original and have it turn out right. I know I would rather keep it simple, sincere and to the heart; save the roller coaster, helicopter rides, or white water rafting trips for your first anniversary. You can also do a search online if you must pick something crazy. I just don’t think it’s the way to go.

Honest Male Perspective

Here’s my deal: It’s great that you want to propose to him, and I can appreciate that. However, in all honesty, being a guy, I would hate that.

I want to feel like the man in the relationship, and however old-fashioned it may seem, I want to be the one proposing. I, at least for a little while, want to feel like I wear the pants in the family (even if they get taken away from me after the wedding). At least give me that one moment of satisfaction.

Let me plan the day and surprise you.

Due to this, I would personally get embarrassed by a girl proposing to me on one knee in public. That would totally make me feel like less of a man. Again, that’s just my opinion.

How about discussing this with him. Jokingly ask him to take you ring shopping. Have you discussed marriage with him enough? Think about talking more about it. Drop enough hints and I’m sure he’ll get the picture, eventually.

Just be patient, sometimes guys are really slow and don’t see what’s put in front of them— even when it’s right in front of their faces.

If, after careful consideration, you still decide to propose, I’d recommend doing it in a private place without too many people around. This way, it’ll be more personal, less of a “show,” and knowing that he loves you as much as you say he does, he won’t resist saying yes to you.

I hope everything works out for you no matter what you decide. And don’t worry, it’s okay to be nervous; I know I was. This is a big step, an important moment in your life. Being nervous just shows how much you care.

I’m sure you’ll make the right decision, and I know he’ll remember the day for the rest of his life.

Can I get an invitation to the wedding?