You’ve gotten down on one knee, asked the question, and your partner denies your marriage proposal. This rejection is one of the most heart-wrenching moments of any relationship, and it can be almost impossible to predict. What do you do if your loved one rejects your marriage proposal?
Best Actions When Your Partner Says No
1. Take a Pause and Analyze
One of the first things you should do is take a breath. It’s easy to get swept up in emotion, so take a moment to avoid doing anything rash. Why did they say no? Was it because they didn’t like your proposal, didn’t want to marry you, or maybe they wanted to date longer before committing?
Reflect on these answers as you process what your partner said to you. They will help you calm down and determine what to do before saying or doing anything you regret.
2. Communicate With Your Loved One
Once you’ve processed, communicate with your partner if they’re ready to talk. It’s best to speak concisely and to be as clear as possible to get everything out in the open before too much time passes. Be straightforward, but don’t be mean or rude.
Ideally, this communication should focus on determining why they said no when they want to get married and if they will ever want to tie the knot. You can even talk about what went wrong along the way and if there’s a way to fix it.
3. Feel What You Feel
It’s okay to feel things – it’s a big moment with high anticipation. If you need to, it might be a good idea to talk to a therapist or a devoted friend to work through your feelings and determine the next best steps.
4. Create a Plan
Finally, make a plan – whether it’s for your future with your partner or by yourself. Determine when the proposal might be feasible or if it’s time to break up. If you want to keep dating, establish a timeline to avoid the same mistake. It might even be an excellent idea to see a couples therapist.
I have been an ace certified personal trainer for over 15 years. Other certifications include kettlebells, TRX, battling ropes, Vpr, yoga fit, AFFA group fitness and more. I have two children who love the gym as much as I do.