7 Signs to Propose

1. He's Growing Out of His Bachelor Ways - You can tell his bachelor days are behind him when his number one priority is no longer himself. If he's constantly using terms like "we" and "the future," and plans for a weekend with the guys in Vegas are suddenly on the back burner while he looks for romantic locales to visit with you, he's probably not just sick of his buddies -- he might be scouting the perfect place to propose.
2. He's Redecorating - You may also notice certain items have disappeared from his pad, like his college posters and Simpsons memorabilia. Did he ditch that ugly brown chair for a nice new couch? It could be the start of major changes -- your boyfriend is making room in his life for you, both physically and emotionally.
3. He's Curbing Big Purchases - Has your boyfriend gone from big spender to scrooge? The plasma screen TV he'd been planning to buy isn't hanging over his mantle, and instead of buying rounds of drinks at happy hour after work, he's home cooking dinner. No, he hasn't become a homebody; he's started to eliminate frivolous spending to brace for a large upcoming down payment (your ring!). He might have even opened up a new savings account or high rewards credit card as he gears up to make the big purchase. And it's not just the jewelry he's saving for -- he may be socking away money now so that the two of you will be comfortable well into the future.
4. He's Not Complaining About Weddings - While at a wedding together, it's more than just the usual eagerness for an open bar. He puts a vice grip on your hand during the vow exchange (is that a tear I see?), and comments on the couple's first dance choice and meal selection. Take it as a sign that he is paying attention to all things wedding-related because matrimony is on his mind.
5. He's Taken an Interest in Your Jewelry - Has he been complimenting your great ability to accessorize? Snooping around in your jewelry box? Holding your hand, constantly? Tying strings around your finger so you don't forget something meaningless? All kidding aside, when your favorite ring goes missing, you'll know for sure that he's trying to find a covert way to figure out your size.
6. He Wants to Meet the Parents - Okay, so he's probably already met your parents. If he hasn't, and has become insistent on meeting them, it's probably for a good reason. But if he already knows them well, and has become the first to RSVP for your nephew's birthday party, jumps at the chance for a weekend visit with your parents, or, even more telltale, tries to plan outings for both your families to hang out together, he's ready for the next step.
7. He's Acting Out of Character - You know his daily routine inside and out, and any variation is enough to give you pause. If he's super insistent that you guys do something you never do (like take a walk through a park, or drive to a place to watch the sunset), he may be setting up to speak those four little words: Will you marry me? After all that hard work, be sure to make it easy on him and say "yes!"