This Is What Getting Engaged Really Means Because It’s About More Than A Sparkly Ring And A Party

Getting engaged means prioritizing someone else. It means valuing their happiness as much as your own.

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Getting engaged is about more than getting a diamond ring. It’s about more than throwing a party. It’s about more than posting cute pictures on social media. It’s about more than a single day celebrating your love by exchanging vows in front of your closest friends and family. It’s also about keeping those vows. It’s about living by those vows, even now, even before you walk down the aisle.

Getting engaged means prioritizing someone else. It means valuing their happiness as much as your own. It means making an unbreakable promise you’re always going to be there for them. You’re always going to support them. You’re always going to have their best interest at heart.

Getting engaged means settling down. It means staying with one person. It means giving up your other options. It means feeling confident that this is the person for you, this is the person who will make you happiest, this is the person who is the most worthwhile. It means you wouldn’t pick anyone else.

Getting engaged means opening yourself up in every possible way. It means putting your flaws on display. It means being your most vulnerable. It means giving another person your entire heart, no exceptions. It means allowing them to know you in the most intimate ways, without holding anything back, without keeping any secrets, without entertaining any doubts.

Getting engaged means putting your trust in someone who could potentially hurt you. It means believing them when they say they are never going to do you wrong. It means trusting that they’re never going to screw you over. And it means making the same promise to them. It means never taking them for granted. It means trying your hardest to avoid causing them pain. It means always doing the right thing by them.

Getting engaged means making a home inside of another person’s heart. It means being comfortable together. It means feeling safe together. It means you’re happiest when you’re together. No matter where you are, no matter what you’re doing, you feel better as long as they’re standing by your side.

Getting engaged means agreeing to work hard. It means giving your partner the time, energy, and affection they deserve. It means going out of your way for them, even on days when it’s inconvenient. It means understanding there are going to be moments when they’re tired or stressed or sick and you’ll have to help out more. It means being okay with being a helping hand.

Getting engaged means you’re on the same team. It means you make decisions together. It means you talk through your problems. It means you make compromises. It means you’re more than partners. More than soulmates. You’re best friends, too.

Getting engaged means making a commitment. It means you aren’t going anywhere. It means you can survive anything the world throws at you. It means you’re going to fight to keep your relationship strong because you believe it’s worth the effort. You believe this is the real deal. This is what love really looks like. Thought Catalog Logo Mark