Maybe we’re all getting to that age where it’s about time to settle down… but over the last couple of years almost all my friends have gotten hitched one by one. Even some of the bloggers I follow have tied the knot too!
Here’s a look little at the bloggers who recently got married as they share the proposal experience, how they knew it was right, as well as how life has changed after taking the plunge!
On a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate his marriage proposal?
Clara: I would say he pretty much exceed the 10 point mark because he left me crying uncontrollably, it was pretty unexpected because our flat is due for collection and I never thought this proposal would came as a surprise.
We were on a trip together at Port Dickson for the holidays and were at a bar during the eve of Christmas. It was 30 mins before countdown, he told me he had a bad bowel problem and had to head back to the hotel room to release whatever that is left in his system, he also promised he'll be back before the countdown. Little did I know this stomachache is actually part of his wedding proposal and he already planned to decorate our hotel room during his 'disappearance'. So he got back in the nick of time only to tell me his stomachache is getting worse and we had to head back to the hotel to rest, I was feeling bummed throughout the walk back to our room but completely oblivious to whatever was planned out for me.
When I open the door to our rooms, I saw lit candles (good job on the unattended fire), flower petals, romantic songs from the sound system (I still remember it was sang by Nora Jones) and the special proposal gift; that was when I started to bawl like a baby.
How did you know he was the One?
Clara: We started as good friends and it gradually grew into lovers over time. Because we were from the same school, we spent a lot of tertiary years together and were pretty much inseparable. After 9 years of dating, we finally tied the knot.
How much different is married life compared to when you were engaged or dating?
Clara: During our dating years, we hung out at shopping malls and cafeterias very often thus delegation of household chores has never cross our minds. However, after getting married and sharing a flat together things changed, we are more committed to stay at home to chillax in our private sanctuary. Also the tough part, do weekly laundry and other chores.
There are also other issues we don't expect to see during our dating years eg, settling utility bills, weekly grocery shopping or asking the 'MAN' to get rid of that pesty roach in the house etc. Be it trivial or not, these matters can sometimes lead to nasty arguments.
However, I've to say we have been managing our little love nest(+marriage) pretty well, our place is always neat and tidy when we are expecting guests the very next day *wink wink*
What advice would you give single girls out there who are looking for their happily ever after?
Clara: The key to the four letter word 'LOVE' is commitment, faithfulness and patience.
There are many hurdles that could burnt out the fire in a relationship, both parties needs to be constantly reminded of the better times amidst these tough times. Instead of turning away from each other; listen to what both parties have to say, don't just simply close the door behind you.
I always tell myself no matter how grand you made it to be, a 'wedding' is a day; a 'marriage' is a lifetime.
On a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate his marriage proposal?
Elaine73: I'll rate my proposal 10 out of 10 because I know that my husband planned it for weeks, even roping in friends and family to make it a success and totally covering it up so perfectly that I totally had no inkling what was going on! The moment was priceless when I saw our families came together and then it struck me that everyone knew what was happening except me! For his effort and sincerity, I rate his proposal a perfect 10 and wouldn't want it any other way.
How did you know he was the One?
Elaine73: I knew that he was the One when my mum was not feeling well, and he took the effort to look after her and send her to the doctor's on my behalf as I was not in Singapore at that time. If he could treat my family as well as he treats his own family - I felt I could rely in him in both sickness and in health.
How much different is married life compared to when you were engaged or dating?
Elaine73: Its only been two years since we got married so I still feel that its quite similar to how we were before we signed the papers! We still make an effort to go out for regular date nights and spend quality couple time alone.
What advice would you give single girls out there who are looking for their happily ever after?
Elaine73: To take a quote that I've read somewhere, " Don't chase people. Be you, be true. Do your own thing and the right ones who belong in your life will come to you, and stay."
Be true to who you are, the right ones will be attracted to your personality and love you for who you are. But remember to have fun! A couple that laughs together, stays together.
On a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate his marriage proposal?
Jacelyn: Probably an 8. My husband is an extremely shy person who doesn't fancy over the top stuff. When he proposed to me in front of his friends and a huge crowd, I was taken aback. Thereafter, I found out that he had designed a banner all by himself and went to the venue beforehand to do rehearsals before the actual proposal day. It was hilarious but really sweet of him to do so.
How did you know he was the One?
Jacelyn: We had a lot of things in common. We knew what the other party is thinking even without saying anything, telepathy perhaps? Also, he is a responsible and family-oriented person.
How much different is married life compared to when you were engaged or dating?
Jacelyn: Nothing much has changed except that both of us feel more responsible to the other party since there are more commitments in a marriage.
What advice would you give single girls out there who are looking for their happily ever after?
Jacelyn: No one is perfect. Always see the best in your potential partner, focus on the good points and love him for who he is.
* Smith had his ROM on 10/11/12, his customary wedding reception is later this year.
On a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate your marriage proposal?
Smith: I think I did a pretty sweet and simple proposal. No fireworks and nothing. I don't believe in that but for us I think it is something many couple doesn't have and that is a long history. Probably because I was really nervous and you can see in the video it's messy. Although I know I wouldn't get a no but still. LOL. But the whole distracting her was pretty good.
Watch Smith’s proposal video!
How did you know she was the One?
Smith: You don't actually. There are so many people out there and there are so many things that can go wrong and will go wrong in a relationship. It's about how the relationship mature along with your own maturity. We don't expect life to always be a bed of roses or perfect for each other. People change and it's about how we adapt to each other's need at different time of our life. I don't believe in THE ONE, I just believe in right time, right place and the right person.
How much different is married life compared to when you were engaged or dating?
Smith: Not much of a difference for me because we've been together for the longest time before getting married. We still hang out with our friends, we still do things together and she still gives me the freedom to do different things be my hobbies or career.
What advice would you give single girls out there who are looking for their happily ever after?
Smith: The truth is there is no prince charming out there, but neither am I asking you to settle for someone you don't love or not comfortable with. As common as divorces are these days we try to avoid being part of the stats but the bottom line of being happy is setting the expectation right. We might have watched too many chick flicks out there to believe in love at first sight or even a happily ever after but such expectation are just like guys watching too much porn and thinks every woman are open to weird sex. Set the expectation right and you will be happy.
On a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate his marriage proposal?
Flora: 10 - Haha. So shameless but truth is, I can't think of a better way that he could have done it. It was intimate (I would have DIED if it was done in public), just the two of us... romantic without being cheesy :)
How did you know he was the One?
Flora: This is gonna sound soooo cliché but I guess you just know? We had our fair share of quarrels and disagreements when we were dating, but one thing I really like about our relationship was that we could resolve our differences very easily.
How much different is married life compared to when you were engaged or dating?
Flora: We just got our own place so we now have mortgage and bills to handle... but other than that, things are pretty much the same! We still go on dates :) Maybe things will be different when the kids come along some day haha
What advice would you give single girls out there who are looking for their happily ever after?
Flora: Don't settle.
On a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate his marriage proposal?
Diana: My HubBear's stunt is rated 10 simply because he had to go a mile further than most men. I raised the standard and asked for a public experience that money cannot buy. He was not allowed to spend more than $1000 and I don't need a diamond ring. If I wasn't moved to tears, then at least, he had to cry. He had to also find a way to record that moment which of course, has to be a surprise.
My HubBear, chose the most impossible situation to propose. We've been weaving in and out several disagreements because of the preparations for our Wedding. One day, he asked me to take a look at what had happened to the boot of my car. I was prepared for the worst - a terrible dent and a lousy sorry filled excuse.
What happened next was, he whipped out his handphone pointed it at me, lifted up the boot and I saw flowers. He took out a box and then he knelt down in the most unglamourous setting - A PUBLIC CARPARK. I hadn't realise I had already walked over with my hands covering my face and went Oh My G Oh my G..... With one hand holding the phone, and another holding the box, on his knees, he asked me to marry him.
He hung a necklace with a pendant of a big heart embracing a small heart on my neck and said, I'm the big heart and I'll take care of the small heart, thats you. It is also our first family heirloom that we will pass down several generations (cross fingers).
How did you know he was the One?
Diana: I do not believe in "I know he is definitely the One!" We made each other The One and Only, for good.
How much different is married life compared to when you were engaged or dating?
Diana: The difference is we now have a sacred vow, solemnized in Heaven to commit and cherish, not through better or worse times, but for good (ever after).
What advice would you give single girls out there who are looking for their happily ever after?
Diana: There are no accidents in life. Treat every event/situation as a learning experience to grow together, to discover one's gift, to embrace your new strengh and most importantly, practise what you preach. Did you really think you could love perfectly? Maybe it is time to revisit this area personally and take responsibility for your own growth, emotional reactions and observation skills. Many times we get too consumed with our emotions we fail to observe quietly how we make others behave or react.
On a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate his marriage proposal?
Holly: Very low, maybe a 5. You see, I’m the creative and dramatic one in the relationship. He’s much more ‘play it safe’ than I am. He proposed to me on Christmas eve which was also his birthday. I was in my pajamas because I had the flu. Then he took the ring out and popped the question. If he had done it at any other time in our relationship ... like when we had dinner at one of our first date restaurants and there was a sudden blackout, I would have given him more points. He later told me that he wanted to propose then, but I kept being nosey and suspicious so he postponed it because he wanted it to come as a surprise.
How did you know he was the One?
Holly: Not instantly, but after a few dates something just clicked inside me. I knew that he was worth putting in the effort for and wasn’t just a fair weathered boyfriend.
How much different is married life compared to when you were engaged or dating?
Holly: There’s a sense of security and confidence that comes with the title of being a “Mrs”. I feel more settled, and not living life on a constant roller coaster anymore. Yes, it may be less exciting than singlehood I guess, but it feels good.
What advice would you give single girls out there who are looking for their happily ever after?
Holly: Be clear and sensible about what you are looking for in a man. Then look far and look hard. Also be prepared for many false alarms, mistakes and setbacks. Learn from it and just pick yourself up in search for someone better and better… until you find the one.