I have a very serious question. Advice is valued!

[wiccan_sk8er]

So, my partner and I have a lot of big events in February.

Our 3 year anniversary was the 7th.
His birthday is the 23rd, mine is the 24th.
And Valentine's Day is... well actually, it's today!
(Didn't realize that.. xD)

I have a little party/get-together type thing for both our birthdays,
and our anniversary. Figured we'd celebrate them all on one day.

I'm inviting my entire family, some of his family, and some close friends.
Figured I'd get some bottles of wine, some music, just have a nice time
with people we love and care about..

But this is what I was thinking.
I will be turning 20 years old. Which is basically an adult.
I consider 20 to be officially an adult, because it's no longer in the "teens."
i.e: I was just nineTEEN.

I'm very seriously contemplating proposing to my partner at this party.
I was planning on getting him some gifts for Valentine's Day,
and then was looking at rings.
And the idea popped into my head.
I figured at a party celebrating big events like this,
in the company of our entire family/friends would be a great time to do it.
I would also let one person know ahead of time so they could record it.

What do you think?  

[AmeliaParadox]

Sounds like a great idea heart  

[Meliodis]

You're going to be twenty...
I'm assuming that you're in your sophomore year of college.
You still have your education to complete, which is necessary for the financial foundation of a marriage.

Have you spoken to your partner about marriage?
Marriage is a lifelong decision and commitment, which may seem daunting.
You need to envision your future with this person as well.

On that note, have you actually considered living with your partner?
Some individuals that are engaged might not experience this prior to marriage.
It's crucial that you're able to live with each other and know what that feels like since you're going to end up living with them once you're married.
It's better to know whether or not you can handle it.

Having said that, there are studies conducted that show that HALF of all marriages end in divorce. If you marry between the ages of twenty and twenty-five, your chances of getting divorced are then 60%.
However, some couples may propose early on in their relationships and not plan on getting married for three or four years.
But remember, the next step after engagement is marriage.

Also, I acknowledge that it's Valentine's Day and you're probably pretty excited with your birthday coming up; but don't get too carried away.  

[wiccan_sk8er]

Meziaster

You're going to be twenty...
I'm assuming that you're in your sophomore year of college.
You still have your education to complete, which is necessary for the financial foundation of a marriage.

Have you spoken to your partner about marriage?
Marriage is a lifelong decision and commitment, which may seem daunting.
You need to envision your future with this person as well.

On that note, have you actually considered living with your partner?
Some individuals that are engaged might not experience this prior to marriage.
It's crucial that you're able to live with each other and know what that feels like since you're going to end up living with them once you're married.
It's better to know whether or not you can handle it.

Having said that, there are studies conducted that show that HALF of all marriages end in divorce. If you marry between the ages of twenty and twenty-five, your chances of getting divorced are then 60%.
However, some couples may propose early on in their relationships and not plan on getting married for three or four years.
But remember, the next step after engagement is marriage.

Thanks for the advice!
I should have added a little more info though.
I'm not in college, and my partner and I have our own apartment.
We have lived together for 2 and a half years, so we're experienced in that aspect. I think were fairly financially stable, we both have jobs.
but you did make some good points, so thanks!  

[HandsomeStanly]

I'm not really one to give advice on these things, but, from what I've seen with my family, a public proposal puts a lot of pressure on your partner. Sometimes they feel too Guilty about the idea of saying no. Not because they don't like you, just because they're surrounded by so many expectant faces and they can't muster saying 'I'm just not ready yet'
^^" but I don't know much about these things.  

[Taeryyn]

I just wanted to reiterate a question that's already been asked: Have you two already talked, seriously and realistically, about being married?  

[Crazy_Evil_Mother7]

Maybe youshould ask after all the celebrations so you both can enjoy them incase he says no. Which I hope he says yes cause that would be so sweet.  

[NocturneKefka666]

congrats on turning 20,one more year and you can have a beer!!!!  

[Chris ex Machina]

My advice is to be sure your partner would be comfortable with the idea of marriage, and be sure it's what you want to do. If so, then go ahead. The idea of how you're going to do it sounds romantic to me. Then again, I find the littlest things romantic.
If you do: Ignore the negative statistics, if you think negatively then you will become part of them.  

[Lady Kayura]

wiccan_sk8er

I'm jumping on the "Have you two talked about marriage in a serious manner" bandwagon. Have you spoken about it? Spoken about your plans for the future? All that?  

[...Angel...Escondida...]

Assuming that you two have talked about the future, marriage, kids, plans for where you want to live, what you want to save for, and that you love all of your partners faults and don't expect your partner to change etc. etc., then go with what your heart tells you.

I don't know your partner, but I know that I am VERY happy that my hubby proposed to me when we were alone. I love my family and friends but it's such a personal and romantic moment. I really got to enjoy it and stay locked in that moment. Plus it was fun to get to tell my family and friends and see/hear their excitement versus being so involved in the moment and being nervous and feeling pressured.

Let us know what you decide and how it goes for you. Such an exciting time! =)