Not Engaged Yet

How to deal with friends when you're "not engaged yet"

Quick Summary:
Between the two of us, BF and I have agreed that we are engaged and we have chosen a possible date for our wedding (and will most likely stick to that date), BUT he wants to buy my engagement ring before we announce our engagement so we're not telling people we're engaged. It should happen soon (I hope!), so we'll have plenty of time to plan and let people know, but my best friend is now "congratulating" me on my engagement b/c she pushed me into telling her about the private decision BF and I made (she wouldn't accept my explanation that we're not "official" until he gets the ring, but that we are definitely planning to get married).
 
Please keep reading for the full details:
I welcome your thoughts, even if you don't agree with things, so feel free to post your thoughts. Since this is the "Not engaged yet" board, I'm hoping some of you will understand my situation. Many people have said, if you're not "technically" engaged, then you shouldn't be planning. I agree to an extent. My BF and I have been "committed" to each other for quite some time now and are planning to get married next June. However, he has not "officially" proposed yet, but is working on buying the ring very soon (in fact, he may have already ordered it, but I don't know b/c I told him to keep it a secret b/c I want to be completely surprised!).

I recently moved to his town b/c we were doing LDR but knew we wanted to get married, so all of our friends and family know that we're planning to get married. In fact, we've already a possible date (but have only told people the month).  The "glitch" however is that we're not "officially" engaged since he hasn't put a ring on my finger. I've told him we don't have to have a ring to be engaged, but he wants to wait until he gets the ring until we annouce it. I'm ok with this, since he has communicated his thoughts with me, but only if I don't have to wait TOO long!

So he and I are ok with things, but my best friend is not so understanding. She just got engaged and is planning her wedding a couple months before ours. Out of respect for her, I don't bring up my own "plans" because we're not officially engaged yet so I only talk about her plans. This has worked out great so far.

Today, though, I called her to touch base and ask if there's anything she needs me to do right now, but the topic changed to me! She started asking questions about whether or not I'm engaged and whatnot. I thought I had already explained this to her, but she was NOT satisfied with the answer! I told her we have chosen a possible date (we even worked around her date so she'd have plenty of time for her honeymoon before our wedding) but the date won't be set in stone until we are actually engaged. In her mind (and probably many of yours), she was confused b/c we had chosen a possible date, but weren't engaged yet.

I understand her confusion, but I also gave her a very detailed explanation, like I did above. However, she pushed me and pushed me until finally I shared with her something that was just supposed to be between BF and I - that  YES, BF and I are engaged, but this is only between he and I for the moment. We're not announcing it to anybody until he puts a ring on my finger b/c that's what he and I agreed to do. (A couple months ago, he and I had this conversation and concluded that between the two of us, we would consider ourselves engaged).

(Almost done, stay with me Cool).  So then . . . she says to me "well congratulations then! You're engaged!!" I was like "ok, thanks." I did NOT want to say to her YES we are engaged b/c we're not announcing it to anybody at this point and I don't want to get ahead of myself and get excited with my friends and listen to them congratulate us until he gets the ring. But she pushed me and pushed me and wouldn't accept my original answer.

So now I'm in a weird place b/c she is congratulating me on an engagement that was supposed to be a private matter between BF and I.  I guess I got myself into this mess and there's really nothing I can do now. I suppose there's no harm done b/c she isn't going to tell anybody else. I'm just hoping BF buys the ring ASAP so I don't have to keep dealing with this!  He is the one who wants to wait until he gets the ring to make things official, but I'm the one left trying to explain the situation to my friends!

I don't think every relationship is supposed to follow a "cookie-cutter" pattern. Why can't BF and I be committed to each other with plans of getting married, but not actually be "engaged" until he buys the ring? Are any of you who are not engaged yet dealing with the same issues? My family totally understands and they're not giving us any grief, but my own best friend pushed me and pushed me to give her an answer after I already explained and now I feel like I've let her into a private decision that BF and I have made, but didn't want to announce yet.

Ok, I think I got it all out. Thanks for reading this long post. I welcome your comments.

Weight Loss Center - Your Online Weight Loss Support Group
image
«1

Re: How to deal with friends when you're "not engaged yet"

  • heyimbrenheyimbren member
    2500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    My honest opinion is that couples complicate matters for themselves with this whole "engaged" "unofficially engaged" "privately engaged" business. It really isn't supposed to be this complicated. The ring is like a public symbol of the relationship change, but it doesn't actually change the relationship or make it official. An engagement is not about a ring, it's about two people coming together and making that decision. It's a bit of a formality now, since most couples do plan on getting married and discuss that (note that I say they discuss the marriage, not necessarily the wedding) beforehand.

    If you're engaged, then great. If you want to wait until you have the ring to make it official, then that's fine too. But as soon as you gave in and told her, it ceased to be private. I get that it's annoying of her to keep pushing- but you just could have pointed that out. Regardless, you can't change the past.

    And the reason I think it's silly IMO to say that you're committed and plan to be married but not be "officially engaged" until you have the ring, is because the engagement period is for planning the wedding. This isn't about cookie cutter relationships, but because that's what an engagement is for. But again, there is a difference between daydreaming and planning.

    Also, there isn't anything wrong with keeping an engagement private for a while.
  • PaigeMcCPaigeMcC member
    5000 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011

    If you don't feel you're engaged then you're not.  You can be thinking about marriage, you can have discussed marriage, but no matter how she pushses if you two have not agreed to get married and agreed you're engaged then you're not.  Personally I'd tell her that I wasn't engaged but she'd be the first to know when I am. 

    I don't really see a problem in this situation though...if she pressures you to plan with her (which I feel is the issue you're trying to address here) then tell her thanks but no thanks and you'll wait until you're engaged.  Focus on her wedding, turn the conversation to her, and don't let her pressure you in to declaring yourself something that you're not.

    And committed is great - I think most couples are in a committed relationship so I don't see any need to say "Committed to get married" or whatev.  Engagements are the planning part...so just enjoy your relationship and tell her to MYOB.


    "Popular on the internetz..."
    image

    Canada is kind of like a whole other world with new things to discover that us americans only dream of. - Narwhal
    Paige I would like to profess my love for you and your brilliant mind. - breezerb
    Murried Bio
  • edited December 2011
    Honestly, an engagement shouldn't be a secret. If you want to wait for a ring to announce you are engaged then wait for a ring to consider your self engaged (but you CAN be engaged with out a ring, it is just silly to keep it a secret). This is a clear example of regarding how you can't have your cake and eat it too. 

    Daisypath Wedding tickers
  • edited December 2011
    I can relate to your situation to an extent. Although BF and I do not consider ourselves engaged, nor do I have a ring yet, we and other people in our lives sometimes talk as if we are engaged because it has been revealed that we would like to be married next year. **We are not pre-planning anymore than knowing that is what we'd prefer, and that we want a destination wedding**

    The thing that I don't really understand is why your BF doesn't just get the ring/propose if he considers you to be engaged. Maybe I am missing something here, but wouldn't it make things a lot easier if you just made it official?
    5/27/12
    image
  • PaigeMcCPaigeMcC member
    5000 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    I'm just gonna say it: You're making this way to complicated.  You're either engaged or not.  Pick one and stick with it.

    "Popular on the internetz..."
    image

    Canada is kind of like a whole other world with new things to discover that us americans only dream of. - Narwhal
    Paige I would like to profess my love for you and your brilliant mind. - breezerb
    Murried Bio
  • desertsundesertsun member
    5000 Comments Fifth Anniversary 25 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    I didn't read the other comments yet, but I just want to add quickly before I head to a meeting that no one can FORCE you to do anything.

    You really ought to have just told your friend, "There are some things that are private between my BF and I. Please respect that and stop pushing. I will tell you when we are engaged."

    Since you didn't do that, all you can do now is say "I told you something in confidence that I shouldn't have. I would prefer you pretend I never said anything to you."
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker


  • SKP82SKP82 member
    2500 Comments Second Anniversary Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    There is no "officially" or "unofficially" engaged.  You're either engaged or you're not.  What would you think if someone told you she was "unofficially" married?  It doesn't make any sense.

    If he wants to wait until he has a ring to propose, then I wouldn't consider you to be engaged, especially if you're not telling people.

    Like SeaTea said, you shouldn't be keeping your engagement a secret.  Just sounds like a way to plan right now without being labeled a BSC pre-planner.
    IMG_6364
    "Life is not orderly. No matter how we try to make life so, right in the middle of it we die, lose a leg, fall in love, drop a jar of applesauce." - Natalie Goldberg
  • SwazzleSwazzle member
    10000 Comments Seventh Anniversary 500 Love Its First Answer
    edited December 2011
    I'm confused also, you started your post with the statement "BF and I have agreed that we are engaged" but then say many times throughout that you're not engaged. It's either one or the other, but not both. 



  • edited December 2011
    If you have decided to get married and set a date what's the point of a proposal?  He already knows the answer. 
    Daisypath Vacation tickers 4 Leaf Clover
  • CASK85CASK85 member
    1000 Comments 250 Love Its Third Anniversary Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    I have a question for everyone here. 

    Why is it SUCH a big freakin' deal to be "completely and totally surprised" by the proposal??  

    Does it make it less special? Does it make it an invalid proposal if you know he's going to do it? Do you feel less happy? 

    If you answered yes to any of these, to you I say - grow the hell up. This isn't a fairy tale - this is real life and doesn't fit into those make-believe stereotypes Disney Princesses and the Wedding Industry peddle to you. Get your heads out of your arses.
  • bethsmilesbethsmiles member
    10000 Comments Sixth Anniversary 500 Love Its First Answer
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_deal-friends-not-engaged-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:cca8b44a-1871-4ac0-ae93-31336ef3e692Post:b9a6f8f3-122d-4119-9d5c-800ee800a736">Re: How to deal with friends when you're "not engaged yet"</a>:
    [QUOTE]I have a question for everyone here.  Why is it SUCH a big freakin' deal to be "completely and totally surprised" by the proposal??   Does it make it less special? Does it make it an invalid proposal if you know he's going to do it? Do you feel less happy?  If you answered yes to any of these, to you I say - grow the hell up. This isn't a fairy tale - this is real life and doesn't fit into those make-believe stereotypes Disney Princesses and the Wedding Industry peddle to you. Get your heads out of your arses.
    Posted by cschiano[/QUOTE]
    '
    1) What does this have to do with this thread?
    2) Why are you so angry about this?
    3) I would like my proposal to be a surprise. BF would like the proposal to be a surprise. Obviously, we've talked about it so I know it's coming eventually but I have no idea when or how it's going to happen. Do I care if other people's proposals are a surprise? No, some people don't like surprises or that just may not be what that couple wants but it is what my BF and I want.


  • CASK85CASK85 member
    1000 Comments 250 Love Its Third Anniversary Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_deal-friends-not-engaged-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:cca8b44a-1871-4ac0-ae93-31336ef3e692Post:3d4ec280-ffb2-4f2a-bc36-252338151a21">Re: How to deal with friends when you're "not engaged yet"</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: How to deal with friends when you're "not engaged yet" : ' 1) What does this have to do with this thread? 2) Why are you so angry about this? 3) I would like my proposal to be a surprise. BF would like the proposal to be a surprise. Obviously, we've talked about it so I know it's coming eventually but I have no idea when or how it's going to happen. Do I care if other people's proposals are a surprise? No, some people don't like surprises or that just may not be what that couple wants but it is what my BF and I want.
    Posted by bethsmiles[/QUOTE]
    It has to do with this thread because even though the original poster is "committed" to be married she said, and I quote "<span style="font-size:12px;" class="Apple-style-span">However, he has not "officially" proposed yet, but is working on buying the ring very soon (<strong>in fact, he may have already ordered it, but I don't know b/c I told him to keep it a secret b/c I want to be completely surprised!). </strong></span><div><font size="3" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12px;" class="Apple-style-span"><strong>
    </strong></span></font></div><div><span style="font-size:12px;" class="Apple-style-span"><strong><span style="font-weight:normal;" class="Apple-style-span">I'm not angry, but I just feel like if you're in a committed relationship and you have a date or whatever, why is it such a big deal to be totally surprised when you basically know already?</span></strong></span></div><div><font size="3" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12px;" class="Apple-style-span">
    </span></font></div><div><span style="font-size:12px;" class="Apple-style-span"><strong><span style="font-weight:normal;" class="Apple-style-span">I was surprised by the exact timing of my proposal, but I knew he was going to do it soon. And I knew he had bought a ring. And it didn't make it less special. </span></strong></span></div><div><font size="3" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12px;" class="Apple-style-span">
    </span></font></div><div><span style="font-size:12px;" class="Apple-style-span"><strong><span style="font-weight:normal;" class="Apple-style-span">I came off a little pissy because the whole "are we or aren't we engaged" thing is so overdone. Like they can't be engaged (but being "commited" is ok) because she hasn't had her fairy-tale moment of the proposal yet (or her BF hasn't had his moment, either way). 
    </span></strong></span><div><font size="3" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12px;" class="Apple-style-span"><strong>
    </strong></span></font></div><div><font size="3" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:12px;" class="Apple-style-span"><strong>
    </strong></span></font></div></div>
  • desertsundesertsun member
    5000 Comments Fifth Anniversary 25 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    I don't get the whole "secret engagement" thing. Why be engaged just between the two of you? It just seems like it creates confusion and makes things harder. Just get engaged when you can go public with it. And don't plan until you're engaged, obv.




    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker


  • bethsmilesbethsmiles member
    10000 Comments Sixth Anniversary 500 Love Its First Answer
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_deal-friends-not-engaged-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:cca8b44a-1871-4ac0-ae93-31336ef3e692Post:0b23c531-3ffd-4e14-898b-d3851b1ec48e">Re: How to deal with friends when you're "not engaged yet"</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: How to deal with friends when you're "not engaged yet" : It has to do with this thread because even though the original poster is "committed" to be married she said, and I quote " However, he has not "officially" proposed yet, but is working on buying the ring very soon ( in fact, he may have already ordered it, but I don't know b/c I told him to keep it a secret b/c I want to be completely surprised!).  I'm not angry, but I just feel like if you're in a committed relationship and you have a date or whatever, why is it such a big deal to be totally surprised when you basically know already? I was surprised by the exact timing of my proposal, but I knew he was going to do it soon. And I knew he had bought a ring. And it didn't make it less special.  I came off a little pissy because the whole "are we or aren't we engaged" thing is so overdone. Like they can't be engaged (but being "commited" is ok) because she hasn't had her fairy-tale moment of the proposal yet (or her BF hasn't had his moment, either way). 
    Posted by cschiano[/QUOTE]

    Ahh...ok I see the point you are making now.


  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_deal-friends-not-engaged-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:cca8b44a-1871-4ac0-ae93-31336ef3e692Post:3d4ec280-ffb2-4f2a-bc36-252338151a21">Re: How to deal with friends when you're "not engaged yet"</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: How to deal with friends when you're "not engaged yet" : ' 1) What does this have to do with this thread? 2) Why are you so angry about this? 3) I would like my proposal to be a surprise. BF would like the proposal to be a surprise. Obviously, we've talked about it so I know it's coming eventually but I have no idea when or how it's going to happen. Do I care if other people's proposals are a surprise? No, some people don't like surprises or that just may not be what that couple wants but it is what my BF and I want.
    Posted by bethsmiles[/QUOTE]<div>
    </div><div>I think she was trying to bring up the ironic nature of planning your wedding and such while still expecting some big fancy surprise proposal. Like I said, you can't have your cake and eat it too. I don't think she was saying all surprise proposals are stupid, just the ones that want to pre-plan but still want surprises. Am I right here? 

    </div>

    Daisypath Wedding tickers
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_deal-friends-not-engaged-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:cca8b44a-1871-4ac0-ae93-31336ef3e692Post:a72175d7-a36a-40a8-b0c0-fd9698896e9b">Re: How to deal with friends when you're "not engaged yet"</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: How to deal with friends when you're "not engaged yet" : <strong>I think she was trying to bring up the ironic nature of planning your wedding and such while still expecting some big fancy surprise proposal.</strong> Like I said, you can't have your cake and eat it too. I don't think she was saying all surprise proposals are stupid, just the ones that want to pre-plan but still want surprises. Am I right here? 
    Posted by SeaTea02[/QUOTE]

    That's what I got from it too.
    5/27/12
    image
  • CASK85CASK85 member
    1000 Comments 250 Love Its Third Anniversary Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_deal-friends-not-engaged-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:cca8b44a-1871-4ac0-ae93-31336ef3e692Post:28562864-be3c-4520-87d6-6c60b568b8be">Re: How to deal with friends when you're "not engaged yet"</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: How to deal with friends when you're "not engaged yet" : Ahh...ok I see the point you are making now.
    Posted by bethsmiles[/QUOTE]
    oh good :) glad I got it out in a way that made sense - I was a little vague in my first post. <3 
  • lmwilberlmwilber member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    How has no one posted the flow chart yet? 

    OP- the pp are correct, you are making this way harder then you need to. I understand that you are excited, its thrilling to know that you and BF are on the same page as far as a timeline goes. But even with this knowledge, BF has told you that you are not engaged in his mind until he has put a ring on it. How BSC are you going to look if/when your convo with BFF gets around to him? What if she blabs to your other friends? Posts some thing on facebook? Not to mention that by starting all this 'privately engaged' nonsense, you are robbing yourself of you last few months of dating BF. You will never be dating him again, why rush through that? 

    Please take a deep breath, call BFF back and tell her that you need her to forget what you told her. Then relax and enjoy dating the man you will one day marry. 

    (random thought- do you think the ladies on The Bump have to deal with people who are unofficially pregnant? "well were TTC but I told my BFF that we consider ourselve pregnant, because at the rate we're going at it, its only a matter of time before one of his guys hits the target...")
    Daisypath Anniversary tickers LilySlim Fitness goals tickers
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_deal-friends-not-engaged-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:cca8b44a-1871-4ac0-ae93-31336ef3e692Post:a781aedf-1733-4751-bd85-3a749347076e">Re: How to deal with friends when you're "not engaged yet"</a>:
    [QUOTE] (random thought- do you think the ladies on The Bump have to deal with people who are unofficially pregnant? "well were TTC but I told my BFF that we consider ourselve pregnant, because at the rate we're going at it, its only a matter of time before one of his guys hits the target...")
    Posted by lmwilber[/QUOTE]

    LOL. I think this is how it should be explained from now on.
    5/27/12
    image
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_deal-friends-not-engaged-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:cca8b44a-1871-4ac0-ae93-31336ef3e692Post:a781aedf-1733-4751-bd85-3a749347076e">Re: How to deal with friends when you're "not engaged yet"</a>:
    [QUOTE](random thought- do you think the ladies on The Bump have to deal with people who are unofficially pregnant? "well were TTC but I told my BFF that we consider ourselve pregnant, because at the rate we're going at it, its only a matter of time before one of his guys hits the target...")
    Posted by lmwilber[/QUOTE]

    Love it! 
    Daisypath Vacation tickers 4 Leaf Clover
  • SKP82SKP82 member
    2500 Comments Second Anniversary Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_deal-friends-not-engaged-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:cca8b44a-1871-4ac0-ae93-31336ef3e692Post:a781aedf-1733-4751-bd85-3a749347076e">Re: How to deal with friends when you're "not engaged yet"</a>:
    [QUOTE](random thought- do you think the ladies on The Bump have to deal with people who are unofficially pregnant? "well were TTC but I told my BFF that we consider ourselve pregnant, because at the rate we're going at it, its only a matter of time before one of his guys hits the target...")
    Posted by lmwilber[/QUOTE]

    I was going to make an "unofficially preggers" comment, but decided to go with "unofficially married" instead.

    I would like to see the reaction if someone did that!!
    IMG_6364
    "Life is not orderly. No matter how we try to make life so, right in the middle of it we die, lose a leg, fall in love, drop a jar of applesauce." - Natalie Goldberg
  • CASK85CASK85 member
    1000 Comments 250 Love Its Third Anniversary Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_deal-friends-not-engaged-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:cca8b44a-1871-4ac0-ae93-31336ef3e692Post:a8464f0c-f7de-4003-8c7d-ad05d738ba0d">Re: How to deal with friends when you're "not engaged yet"</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: How to deal with friends when you're "not engaged yet" : I was going to make an "unofficially preggers" comment, but decided to go with "unofficially married" instead. <strong>I would like to see the reaction if someone did that!!</strong>
    Posted by SKP82[/QUOTE]
    I think it'd be something like this:<div>
    <a href="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/14/0/4e0c5671-c6d5-4061-8088-99a121c8c9ba.large.jpg" title="Click to view a larger photo" onclick="return gSiteLife.LoadForumPage('ForumImage', 'plckPhotoId', '4e0c5671-c6d5-4061-8088-99a121c8c9ba', 'plckRedirectUrl', gSiteLife.EscapeValue(window.location.href));" class="PhotoLink"> <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/14/0/4e0c5671-c6d5-4061-8088-99a121c8c9ba.medium.jpg" alt="" /></a>
    </div>
  • edited December 2011
     I get the whole idea of him not wanting to announce that your engaged because he wants to be able to put on a ring on your finger (My BF is doing the same thing, I think it can be a bit of a male pride thing.) but then why be engaged at all? take time to enjoy this stage in your relationship.  why do you both feel the need to be engaged at this point? just chill,     enjoy your relationship and the anticipation of whats to come and look forward to planning a wedding.   :-)
  • edited December 2011
    Perfect! It is like announcing your are pregnant, but you aren't. BSC people. 

    Daisypath Wedding tickers
  • peekaboo2011peekaboo2011 member
    Knottie Warrior 5000 Comments 250 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    OP - your post made my head hurt.  If you're engaged, you're engaged.  Congratulations, plan your wedding...and ANNOUNCE your engagement.  If you're not engaged, you're not engaged and STFU about planning.  You can't plan an event that may or may not happen.

    I'd post the flow chart, but I don't have it... :(

    Andplusalso, if you still consider him BF, he isn't FI and you aren't engaged.
    I french with my man
    Daisypath Anniversary tickers
  • IrishDreamerIrishDreamer member
    2500 Comments Fourth Anniversary 25 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_deal-friends-not-engaged-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:cca8b44a-1871-4ac0-ae93-31336ef3e692Post:e8a07736-c82c-4fe4-8b8c-1eaf9d7b46e2">Re: <strong>How to deal with friends when you're "not engaged yet"</strong></a><strong>:
    [QUOTE]OP - your post made my head hurt.  If you're engaged, you're engaged.  Congratulations, plan your wedding...and ANNOUNCE your engagement.  If you're not engaged, you're not engaged and STFU about planning.  You can't plan an event that may or may not happen. I'd post the flow chart, but I don't have it... :( Andplusalso, if you still consider him BF, he isn't FI and you aren't engaged</strong>.
    Posted by peekaboo2011[/QUOTE]

    <div>THIS!! I agree with PP's... the conception analogy is awesome!!!!! </div><div>
    </div><div>Chill pill is required, perhaps with a glass of wine...but my dear, you are being more than a bit BSC</div><div>
    </div><div>
    </div>
  • jennOKjennOK member
    Fourth Anniversary 10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I understand. My BF and I are planning on getting married. We haven't set a date nor are we officially engaged yet. (He has the same thing about wanting to get the ring first.) When we talk, sometimes we'll bring up in conversation phrases like "after we get married" or "when we're married" -- things like that. We don't realize that it might confuse people until they ask, "so are you guys getting married." We always end up saying "yeah, eventually" or "we haven't set a date yet." My parents know that we are planning on getting married, and this isn't a good thing because they've told family and friends. Well, we're not  really ready to announce anything yet, so it's made for some awkward explanations. 
  • peekaboo2011peekaboo2011 member
    Knottie Warrior 5000 Comments 250 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_deal-friends-not-engaged-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:cca8b44a-1871-4ac0-ae93-31336ef3e692Post:b74b6bc2-01f0-4261-800b-3c85e036c27a">Re: How to deal with friends when you're "not engaged yet"</a>:
    [QUOTE]I understand. My BF and I are planning on getting married. We haven't set a date nor are we officially engaged yet. (He has the same thing about wanting to get the ring first.) When we talk, sometimes we'll bring up in conversation phrases like "after we get married" or "when we're married" -- things like that. We don't realize that it might confuse people until they ask, "so are you guys getting married." We always end up saying "yeah, eventually" or "we haven't set a date yet." My parents know that we are planning on getting married, and this isn't a good thing because they've told family and friends. Well, we're not  really ready to announce anything yet, so it's made for some awkward explanations. 
    Posted by jennOK[/QUOTE]

    <div>You just killed 10 thousand kittens in posting this.</div><div>
    </div><div>You CANNOT be "unofficially engaged".  That's called BSC.  See the above posted flow chart.  </div><div>
    </div><div>*headdesk*</div>
    I french with my man
    Daisypath Anniversary tickers
  • SKP82SKP82 member
    2500 Comments Second Anniversary Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_deal-friends-not-engaged-yet?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:cca8b44a-1871-4ac0-ae93-31336ef3e692Post:cb813866-2d86-43a3-9f20-0ba66edb3040">Re: How to deal with friends when you're "not engaged yet"</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: How to deal with friends when you're "not engaged yet" : You just killed 10 thousand kittens in posting this.<strong> You CANNOT be "unofficially engaged".</strong> That's called BSC.  See the above posted flow chart.   *headdesk*
    Posted by peekaboo2011[/QUOTE]

    Did she actually use that term?  If so, I missed it.

    JennOK - those kinds of statements have nothing to do with being engaged.  My BF and I often have "when we have kids ..." conversations.  That doesn't make me think we're engaged.  I'm not saying you think you're engaged, but maybe you shouldn't have those kinds of conversations in front of other people.  Those conversations are reserved between the two of us... in private.

    We're ALL excited to be in happy, committed relationships that we hope will turn into marriages.  We are.  But, once we came here, we realized that you can't put the cart before the horse and plan things that aren't in the works yet.

    To extend an analogy in a previous post, it's like preparing the entire nursery before you and your H have even discussed if you want children or not.  How shocked would your husband be if he came home to a furnished, decorated nursery and he didn't even know you wanted kids? 

    Let's all just chill the F*!&(#(*& out!!!!!
    IMG_6364
    "Life is not orderly. No matter how we try to make life so, right in the middle of it we die, lose a leg, fall in love, drop a jar of applesauce." - Natalie Goldberg
  • lmwilberlmwilber member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Ok, since the flow chart seems to have not solved this problem-

    The NEY Rules of Engagement:

    1) All that is required for two partied to be engaged is an EXPRESS AGREEMENT BY BOTH PARTIES that they want to get married on an expressly stated date.

    A. If you have a ring, you are engaged.

    B. If you BOTH consider yourselves to be engaged, you are engaged, regardless of having set an express date, so long as it is the intention of BOTH parties to set a date in the future.

    2) If one party has stated that more than this express agreement is required (such as a ring, parents blessing, degree, set amount of money saved), then you ARE NOT ENGAGED. You are not engaged to be engaged, pre- engaged, or almost engaged.You ARE in a loving, committed relationship with the person you plan to spend the rest of your life with. Deal with it. 

    3) Discussion of 'possibly' getting married in Month/Year and or "kind of talking about wedding stuff" or saying "when we get married" does not equal an engagement if there is no express agreement between you and your SO. You are required to STOP ALL PREPLANING AT ONCE.

    4) If you cannot afford rent/food/car insurance/any other life necessity, YOU CAN NOT AFFORD A WEDDING**. You and your SO need to have a LONG talk about finances right away. This is the most pressing issue, not what you want your wedding colors to be. If you are not capable of talking to your SO about money, you should not be talking about getting married. 

    5) If you are young enough to tell the wise and learned ladies of NEY that "You're soooooo mature for your age", you are not. Maturity does not need to be asserted, it needs to be reflected in words and thoughts. You are too young to be getting married. 

    6) If you have not graduated High School yet or earned your GED (and you are not a Troll or MUD), go do your homework. NOW. 

     

    See also the Are You Engaged? Flow Chart 

     

    *No kittens were killed in the use of these terms.-Gods.
    Daisypath Anniversary tickers LilySlim Fitness goals tickers
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards