8 Signs your Partner is Going to Propose According to Experts
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“Get ready with me to maybe get engaged” videos on TikTok have become the new viral trend, receiving between 700 thousand and over a million views each. The trend involves women and men filming themselves getting ready while chatting about the suspicious reasons they think they’re about to get engaged.
Whether it’s friends acting suspicious, a random surprise trip or a sudden change in their partner’s behaviour, these TikToks can result in many people analysing their own relationship.
Whilst there’s no guarantee that your partner is planning on proposing, engagement and wedding ring experts at Queensmith have revealed the top signs your partner could be planning a proposal.
1. Encouragement to get your nails done
Have your friends and family been asking you to go with them to get your nails done? Are they urging you to get them done slightly more so than usual?
This is one of the biggest signs of a proposal coming, and your partner wants you to feel and look your best for those all-important engagement ring pics!
If you suspect this might be the case, ensure you agree to get them done. There would be nothing worse than having chipped nail polish when your partner slips the engagement ring on.
2. Your partner plans a trip
This doesn't mean you need to doubt your partner's intentions before every trip, but there are some signs to recognise if this holiday will be unique.
Firstly, if your partner isn't usually involved in holiday planning but suddenly becomes very hands-on and won't let you see the itinerary, the signal that he might propose just peaked.Secondly, if you’ve been together a while and you have a special day coming up (such as an anniversary or your birthday), it could be the time that he will propose.
Fun fact: December remains the most popular month for proposals, followed by May and August. If a holiday falls in these months, stay alert!
3. They are talking to your family more than normal
While it's wonderful for our partners to bond with our closest family members and friends, if you notice an increase in their time spent with your family when you're not present, or they keep sneaking off for private conversations with them, they might be seeking their blessing or doing some extra planning with them.
If conversations stop when you enter the room or family gatherings start to feel a little different from usual, they’ve likely had “the talk”!
Try to avoid asking what they’re talking about so you don’t let on to them that you know something is going on or ruin the surprise.
4. Change in your partner's behaviour
Your partner is the one who knows every intricate detail about you. They can sense when you're upset without a word spoken and distinguish between your anger and your hunger. Therefore, if your partner starts behaving more nervously or becomes unusually quiet around you, it's a telltale sign that something could be brewing.
In such a scenario, they’re likely preoccupied with thoughts of the proposal and anxiously pondering your response to the big question. If you notice them exhibiting signs of heightened anxiety, try to support them as much as possible without giving away your suspicion that a proposal might be around the corner.
5. Talking about the future
If your partner starts getting really deep with you about the future, this is a good sign he might propose.
If he starts getting nostalgic about your first date or deeply curious about where you see yourself in 10 years, posing questions like "Where do you see this relationship going?" or "Where do you envision us living together?", he’s ensuring you're on the same page. Proposing is usually a 3-month+ journey; by the time he asks, he wants to be 100% sure the answer is "Yes."
6. They are cutting down on spending
If your partner is usually a spender but has suddenly swapped takeaways for home cooking, he might be building a ring fund. Our 2025 data shows the average spend on a high-quality lab-grown diamond ring is around £5,750. If he’s cutting back, it’s likely because he’s prioritising a significant, meaningful investment to spend on an engagement ring.
Not only does cutting down on spending mean they could be saving up for a ring, but it also means they could be planning to save for future family expenses.
7. They are suddenly interested in your jewellery
If your partner has been shopping for an engagement ring, you might observe them becoming more knowledgeable about jewellery overall. They may begin expressing opinions on other people's rings and discussing what ring styles they find appealing.
One of the most concrete signs he bought an engagement ring is an interest in your ring size. If you suddenly can't find your favourite ring despite remembering where you last left it, this could be a subtle hint that wedding bells could be coming your way.
Is he suddenly asking if you prefer Platinum over 18k Yellow Gold? This is a clear indicator that he is moving to the engagement ring designing phase.8. The ring box bulge
This is a classic weird sign he is going to propose, based on real-life clients we have experienced.
When you are on a date or on a trip, if he keeps touching his pocket or insists on wearing a coat even when it’s warm, he might be checking that the ring box is still there. Because standard engagement ring boxes are roughly 5cm x 5cm x 4cm, they are notoriously difficult to conceal in modern, slim-fit clothing.
Or, if your partner is usually relaxed with their backpack or messenger bag but suddenly becomes extremely protective of it, the ring is likely inside.
Common misconceptions: Signs he’s not necessarily proposing
When you’re on high alert for a sign he will propose, it’s easy to misinterpret everyday actions. Before you start looking for a hidden photographer at every dinner, keep these common misconceptions in mind:
He’s being quiet or distant: While some proposers get nervous, quietness isn't always a sign of a proposal coming. He might simply be stressed at work or tired. Don't assume secrecy always equals a surprise engagement.
He’s saving money: Financial discipline is a great sign he's going to propose, but it could also mean he’s saving for a new car, a mortgage deposit, or simply being more responsible. Look for the "Saving + Researching Jewellery" combo to be sure.
A fancy dinner date: If he books a nice restaurant, enjoy the meal! Many people expect a proposal. Unless it’s accompanied by other weird signs (like him being unusually dressed up or fidgety), it might just be a lovely date night.
He’s talking about the future: Discussing where you want to live or having children shows commitment, yet might not fully be a sign he is ready to propose.
Expert advice: Enjoy the journey carefree
It is incredibly easy to get caught up in "Proposal Watch," but the best advice our experts can give is to stay carefree. The period before an engagement is a unique time in your relationship. If you spend every moment looking for weird signs he is going to propose, you might miss out on the joy of the present. Whether it happens with a grand gesture or a quiet moment at home, the surprise will be just as sweet.
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