While marriage isn’t necessarily a foregone conclusion in modern relationships, a lot of people still want to walk down the aisle.
If you’ve been with someone a while and things are going well, you might start to wonder if saying “I do” is in your future. If your partner has been dropping hints or showing signs of wanting to take the next step in your relationship, you might have noticed a few subtle clues. Here are 20 signs they might be ready for marriage, even if they haven’t said it outright.
1. They often bring up the future.
If your partner keeps talking about future plans that include both of you, it could be a sign they’re thinking long-term. Whether it’s holiday plans for next year or talking about what kind of house you’ll buy one day, they’re picturing you in their future.
2. They’re more interested in weddings.
When your partner starts noticing or commenting on weddings more than they used to, it might be because they’re thinking about your big day. Whether they’re talking about a friend’s wedding or sending you wedding inspiration, their mind could be on marriage.
3. They ask about your views on marriage.
If they’re casually bringing up marriage in conversation and asking what you think about it, they’re probably trying to gauge if you’re on the same page. It’s a subtle way of seeing if you’re both ready for that next step.
4. They spend more time with your family.
If your partner suddenly seems more interested in getting to know your family or spending time with them, it could be a sign they’re thinking about becoming a permanent part of your life. Strong family connections are important when thinking about marriage.
5. They talk about finances more.
Money is a big part of marriage, and if your partner is suddenly more focused on budgeting, saving, or discussing future financial plans, it’s a hint they might be thinking about getting married. Financial stability often comes up before a proposal.
6. They start talking about children.
If they’ve started talking about having kids, or even joking about baby names, it’s likely they’re thinking ahead to marriage. Conversations about children usually come up when someone is thinking about building a family together.
7. They’re more focused on long-term goals.
Is your partner suddenly making plans or setting goals for the next few years? This shift to thinking long-term can be a sign they’re imagining a future that includes you, which could mean marriage is on their mind.
8. They’re more affectionate than usual.
Sometimes, when people are ready to settle down, they show more affection to reinforce the connection. If your partner is being extra loving and attentive, it could be because they’re feeling ready to make the relationship official.
9. They mention moving in together.
If you’re not living together yet and your partner is suggesting you move in, it could be a step toward marriage. Sharing a home is often a trial run for marriage, and bringing it up means they’re ready for a more serious commitment.
10. They want to travel with you more.
Travelling together can be a way to test a relationship, and if your partner is suddenly keen on planning trips with you, they might be thinking about how you’d handle big life events together. It’s also a great way to bond before marriage.
11. They drop hints about engagement rings.
Have they made comments about engagement rings, or even asked what kind of ring you’d like? It’s a pretty big sign they’re thinking about marriage. Even joking about rings or weddings can show it’s on their mind.
12. They’re more interested in commitment topics.
If your partner is showing more interest in conversations about commitment or long-term relationships, it could be because they’re ready to take the next step. They might be testing the waters to see if you’re ready too.
13. They prioritise you in new ways.
When your partner starts making you their number one priority, it’s a strong sign they’re getting serious. Whether it’s rearranging their schedule for you or putting your needs first, they’re showing they’re ready for a long-term commitment like marriage.
14. They joke about “our wedding.”
Even if it’s in a light-hearted way, if your partner starts joking about “our wedding” or playfully bringing up marriage-related topics, it’s likely something they’ve been thinking about. Jokes are often a safe way to test your reaction.
15. They start talking about anniversaries or milestones.
When your partner suddenly becomes more sentimental about your anniversaries or important dates, it could be because they’re thinking about making those moments more official with marriage. They’re thinking about all the milestones you’ll celebrate together.
16. They ask about your expectations for the future.
If your partner asks what you want out of life or what your long-term goals are, they’re probably trying to figure out if your future plans align. It’s a clear sign they’re thinking about the future of your relationship.
17. They’re curious about how you feel about marriage.
If your partner asks directly how you feel about marriage, it’s likely they’re trying to see if you’re ready for that next step. Even a simple conversation about marriage shows it’s on their radar.
18. They’re more interested in commitment than ever.
If your partner has been talking more about commitment, loyalty, and sticking together, it could be because they’re ready to settle down. They’re likely thinking about what it means to commit fully, which is often a lead-up to marriage.
19. They make long-term plans involving you.
Whether it’s booking a holiday for next year or making plans for a major life event down the line, your partner including you in long-term plans is a big sign they’re thinking of forever. Marriage is often the next logical step when you’re making future plans together.
20. They simply say they want to get married one day.
If they’ve mentioned marriage as part of their future plans, even in passing, it’s a clear sign they’re open to the idea. They might not have popped the question yet, but talking about it shows it’s definitely on their mind.
