But some women dare to go even farther than that and plan out their ideal proposal. I was not one of these women because a proposal meant someone wanted to spend the rest of his life with me and that just wasn't going to happen. If I were so lucky, being asked would be enough. Who cared how it was done?
Tyler Nailed It When He Proposed to Me
I didn't know Tyler was going to propose to me on our vacation. There was a possibility. A strong possibility. There had been discussions about marriage. There had been fingers sized. I was meeting his family. He was turning 40. And while I knew a proposal was coming, that day could be in the distant future. I was not getting my hopes up. I was there to meet Tyler's family and see where he grew up. That was enough for me.
But not for him. His family knew he was planning on proposing and I'll admit they did a great job of not letting on. When he didn't do it on our first "just us" night out, they were freaking out. Me? I was Cucumber Girl, as in "cool-as-a". Even if I did suspect Tyler was going to ask me to marry him on this trip, it wasn't going to be on his actual birthday. He knew better than that.
The next day, however, it crossed my mind. A lot. I couldn't help it. (It could happen! It could happen! IT COULD HAPPEN!) March 11 was particularly windy and rainy for L.A., which I loved. Tyler and I spent the day driving around, going to Victoria's Secret where he watched me try on lingerie, taking me to Trader Joe's for the first time ever, and Target, which needs to be everywhere!
The wind continued and Tyler took me to the Redondo Beach Pier. The businesses were closing up early, so we returned to Manhattan Beach. We went into the mall which was closed, but the doors were unlocked. It was strange to be in such a quiet place that was normally swarming with people. Maybe he'll do it here? It's so weird...no? Okay, then. Let's go to dinner.
We went to California Pizza Kitchen who's frozen fair I've enjoyed for many years. It was a great casual dinner. I was wearing jeans and my Converse sneakers. It felt comfortable and right. I would be happy if it happened there.
When I was younger (re: dumb), I had it in my mind that I didn't want to see The Proposal coming. I wanted a complete surprise. I wanted to be blind-sided. Because I liked drama. But now that I am older (re: less dumb) and have the joy of being in an actual relationship, I know that's just not plausible or wise. You should have lots of discussions about marriage before anyone proposes. You should know your partner well enough to know something is up. Tyler had two mojitos. Something was up.
We returned to beach part of Manhattan Beach. It was still windy, yet Tyler and I were going out onto the pier. It was so windy, that we didn't dare walk to the end. Instead we climbed the connecting lifeguard station. We looked out on the ocean as he held me from behind. Eventually, he spoke, something to the effect of, "You know how I've been thinking about spending the rest of my life with you."
And I interrupted with "I've been thinking about that too."
"Would you like to make it official?"
"Yes."
"Well, turn around."
So I did. He took my hand and asked, "Jordyn Alice Auvil, will you be my wife?"
How could I not say yes? We kissed and I jumped up and down. Then he pulled the ring out of his pocket. I gushed about it for a while. Holy shit, is it beautiful! Finally, these strangers walked out onto the pier and I screamed at them, "I just got engaged!"
(Where the magic happened)
I only ever had one requirement: that Tyler and I be alone. Public proposals have always struck me as somewhat desperate and narcissistic.The dude either wants attention or is afraid she'll say no, so he puts her in this horrible pressured situation in front of millions of strangers at a sporting event or, even worse, his entire family at Christmas. I love Tyler for what he does, and I also love him for what he doesn't do.
The proposal was perfect because it was Tyler who did the proposing, and that is all you need to know.
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