You and your girlfriend are probably pretty close. You may even live together. But marriage is a whole other ballgame when it comes to thinking for two -- because, legally, you're kinda, sorta one. Maybe the best way to look at it is to think of marriage like double vision. From now on, you'll be seeing two of everything. Two plates on the table. Two embroidered robes for Christmas. And, of course, two wonderful, loving families to visit when Christmastime comes. (About the only thing that won't be doubled is enough time to visit both.)
Planning a wedding is a major commitment. It goes without saying that marriage, itself, is a major commitment, too -- that's the whole point. So when you choose to propose, you're choosing to make some major life changes. And they're nice changes, really. But it's still good to know what you're in for.
Here's a litmus test: Can you see yourself calling your girlfriend your "fianc?e" for the next six, twelve, or however many months it takes to plan your wedding? Or can you at least see yourself admitting you goofed up every time she complains that you called her your "girlfriend"… yet again? This is the sort of thing you'll want to know you can handle. It's a small change, you know, but you do want to call her your "wife."
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