You get one shot at this. Well, this is
generally not done as much anymore. I mean, how many people get married these
days? With all the statistics about divorce it’s a wonder people still tie the
knot. But here I am, ready for the next step in my relationship and chapter in
my life. For us guys, it’s probably the most stressful time! You’re wondering
what to say, how to bring it up and hoping for a good reaction. There’s nothing
better than hearing that one syllable, three letter word, “Yes.” You need to do
this right the first time or why bother doing it in the first place?
I first met Alex at the local Panera
restaurant. Needless to say I was incredibly nervous but who wouldn’t? I mean
things start off a little awkward. You’re not really sure what you have to talk
about. Do you have anything in common? Will they laugh at my corny jokes? Will
they get my pop references? Will the car I drive matter? What if I don’t make
enough in my current job? Thank God that we hit things off pretty well. Not
really sure how it happened really but we just clicked. Dinner started to
become a regular occasion. Our conversations moved past the trivial weather and
how our days went. Topics began to dig deep into beliefs, life goals and dreams.
We were on the same page and I couldn’t be happier. Things were going great. But
that’s when it really hit me. It’s that time. One year has come and gone and I
need to make my move. That’s right. It’s time for the big question!
I’ve
been preparing all day and it’s time to execute the plan. I like to keep things
really simple and so I asked Alex to meet me at the local Panera that night. As
I sat in the booth begging my body not to sweat, I began to do some breathing
exercises. Not only did they not work but I felt like I was hyperventilating.
Get it together David. Alex is walking to
you right now. Take it easy. We’ve been planning this all day. It’s time to
grow a pair and man up. You got this! Muster
up every ounce of confidence in this body and formulate those well rehearsed
sentences. Bring out that passion and speak with a rich tone. Let there be no
hint of deception, share your feelings with complete transparency and just be
yourself.
“Hey
how are ya?”
No turning
back now.
“Pretty
good and you?”
“I’ve
been a little anxious lately but I’m sure it’ll pass.”
Great
response David. Now go with it.
“Anxious?
About what?”
“Well,
that’s exactly what I wanted to talk to you about tonight. Last year we met at
this Panera. It was a little nerve wracking for me and I’m sure it was awkward
for you too. But during this past year we’ve gotten pretty close and
comfortable with each other. I’ve been thinking all day how I would bring this
up but I figured the best way is to be completely
blunt and straight to the
point.
The ring
David.
“David,
is this a…”
“There
is no one I love more. I’ve been searching for a very long time, hoping to find
the one. I’ve hinted at this before in our conversations. I believe that now,
more than ever before, I’m ready for this next step.
“David,
I don’t know what to say...”
“This
may seem like a big surprise but I just need you to say yes, or at least some
variation of agreement, when I ask you this next question.
Alex,
do I have your permission to marry your daughter?”
And
the rest was history…
