How to Pick an Engagement Ring She’ll Treasure Forever

Posted on September 5, 2016 by meredith

Congratulations, fellas. You don’t have to sit there wondering how to pick an engagement ring. You live in an era when choosing that most important piece of jewelry is easier than it’s ever been. If your girlfriend has ever thought about getting engaged, she likely has a Pinterest board full of engagement ring styles she’d just love for you to buy her. But if she doesn’t, there’s still good news. I’ll show you exactly how to pick an engagement ring in eight easy, dare I say foolproof, steps. Continue reading →

The Almost Bride of Sandy Hook

Posted on December 20, 2012 by meredith

I’m in the middle of re-reading an engrossing Jodi Picoult book, Nineteen Minutes. It’s about a school shooting. So on Friday, when the tragic news broke about the elementary school in Newtown, CT, I thought the novel had made me imagine that headline. Sadly, it hadn’t. And I’ve spent the past few days learning about the victims, most of whom were too-adorable-for-words six- and seven-year-olds, others brave teachers about my age. And just minutes ago, I found out one of those unlucky women was just days away of getting the best surprise of her life. Continue reading →

Strip Club Bachelor Parties–and Why I Wish They’d Die

Posted on September 4, 2012 by meredith

The other day, I was at a barbecue with Paul’s current and former coworkers. Paul wasn’t there because he was at his friend’s bachelor party. Rightly assuming that a strip club was involved in said bachelor party, and knowing that I’m not a fan of strip clubs, our pals teased me. “Paul probably has another lady on his lap right now!” “How many nipple tassels do you think he’s flicked by this point?” And while I didn’t intend it to, this sparked an intense, though friendly, conversation with nearly all the attendees at the barbecue, including the ones I just met. Continue reading →

How to Tell a Friend You Don’t Like Her Spouse-to-Be

Posted on August 30, 2012 by meredith

It happens. Someone you think is great chooses to marry someone…not-so-great. But how do you let your pal know you loathe her favorite person in the world? Take these steps before you alienate your friend. Continue reading →

The First Time You Tell Each Other, “I Love You”

Posted on August 8, 2012 by meredith

After a string of not-so-fulfilling relationships, my friend is seeing a guy that she and everyone around her believes to be “the one.” And they said “I love you” to each other for the first time this weekend…which got me thinking of the first time Paul and I uttered those words. Continue reading →

5 Ways to Get a Proposal Faster (and 1 That Doesn’t Work)

Posted on August 6, 2012 by meredith

Ladies, if anyone knows what it’s like to be ready to get engaged and not have a ring on your finger yet, it’s me. Even though I was super-young when I was set for Paul to pop the question–at the ripe old age of 21–we had been dating for eight years at that point. So when he still didn’t propose by our 10th anniversary, I was antsy to say the least. Luckily, the proposal came a few months after we hit the 10-year mark, and I think it happened when it did because I did a few of the following things. Continue reading →

6 Things Not to Say to Someone Who Broke Off Her Engagement

Posted on July 4, 2012 by meredith

Whether or not your pal was the one who called off the wedding, going from marrying your soulmate to not getting hitched at all is not an easy switch to make. Yet everyone around her is likely making the transition trickier with prying questions and insensitive statements. Stay on the supportive side by avoiding these questions and comments. Continue reading →

The Rudest Engagement Ring Comments EVER

Posted on May 4, 2012 by meredith

131

I’ve received backhanded compliments and straight-up aggressive remarks about my engagement ring. And it made me wonder if you all have, too. So I posted the question on Facebook and Twitter. I truly was hoping I wouldn’t get any responses because no one wants such a symbolic, important purchase criticized. Alas, I was barraged with replies. Here they are. Continue reading →

2013: The Year of Fewer Brides and Babies?

Posted on March 2, 2012 by meredith

Let’s discuss triskaidekaphobia, aka fear of the number 13. It’s as real as claustrophobia (fear of closed-in spaces, which I have) and hemaphobia (fear of blood, which I also have). In fact, it’s so real that I’ve yet to encounter an elevator in Manhattan with a button for floor 13. So how is 2013’s impending arrival affecting young women toying with the idea of getting married or pregnant? Continue reading →

Should Women Propose? Should Men Wear Engagement Rings?

Posted on February 29, 2012 by meredith

No, I don't know why she's wearing a wedding dress. You try finding a photo of a woman proposing to a man.

A friend (and I hope I’m not overstepping bounds by calling you a friend!) suggested I write about gender roles as they pertain to proposals, and since I aim to please, here goes. Continue reading →