5 Mistakes Men Should Avoid When Popping The Question

You would think proposing would be easy. What's so hard about getting down on one knee and asking, "Will you marry me?"

The problem is that proposing is so simple men can't help but over-think and over-complicate the whole thing until they start doing some very silly things. 

If you don't want to be the guy who stupidly hid his fiancee's engagement ring in a frosty treat (that she ate), learn from these 5 mistakes before you pop the question.

1. Not having a ring: We understand the economy is hitting everyone hard, but you should always have an engagement ring when you propose. No exceptions. If you can't afford an engagement ring at this time, a good idea is to purchase a cheaper ring and then upgrade the ring later when you're more financially stable.
2. Proposing on a holiday: Don't get us wrong, we love Christmas and Valentine's Day. But women like for things to be special. They don't want what everyone else has. And what's so special about being proposed to on the most popular day of the year to be proposed to? That Monday when she goes to work and show off her engagement ring, there will be two or three other women doing the exact same thing. And trust us, she will not like that.
3. Forgetting her family: We know it's a little old fashion, but it's still preferred for men to ask the girlfriend's family for permission before proposing. You don't have to necessarily ask her father, but at least let someone in her immediate family know of your intentions of marriage.
4. Hiding the ring in weird places: Don't hide the ring in her food! No, it's not cute. And yes, she will go to the emergency room. In fact, don't attempt to hide the ring anywhere unless it's your pocket. These proposals might seem cute and unique, but they sometimes backfire. An engagement ring is too costly to be tossed carelessly in a glass of wine or baked into a cupcake. Be smart and avoid this mistake.
5. Telling her you're "settling": There is nothing romantic about hearing a long, drawn out speech about how "we're not getting any younger, so I found you this ring…" Women want to hear that you want to spend the rest of your life with them, not that you're settling because they twisted your arm about it. If these are your reasons for getting married, maybe you shouldn't.