Dear Dharma,

I have decided to propose to my girlfriend of 5 years. We’ve been living together for the past 3 years and I know she’s the one I want to spend the rest of my life with.

My question is how do I make the proposal really special? I’m thinking Jumbotron… what do you think?

Bigger is Better

Dear Bigger,

First of all, congratulations on deciding to take the plunge! 3 years is a good amount of time to be sure she is the one, so that part I’m feeling good about.

The Jumbotron, not so much.

I’m sorry! Did I just crush you and your oversized vision?

I mean, I don’t know your girlfriend; maybe it would thrill her to pieces… except all I can think about is that Friends episode with Mike and Phoebe and how the whole Jumbotron thing went to heck in a hand basket.

I think you need to go more… personal. You know your girlfriend better than anyone, so think of things she finds important, special.

Also, is she into splashy things or does she shy away from the limelight? The answer to that can help guide your decision…

If she falls in to the low key category, do you have any pets? If yes, could you tie a ribbon around puppy’s neck with a sweet note and a ring box attached?

If she’s more into the splash, do you have any trips planned via airplane in the next little bit? What about borrowing the PA system for an on-flight announcement (oooh like in the Wedding Singer!)?

If she’s more traditional, you could always go with roses, champagne and a well cut suit.

That never gets old, especially if you put together exactly the right words.

Dharma’s point here is you need to know your audience, so don’t just jump to the cliché jumbotron. The last thing you want to do is risk mortifying her on what is supposed to be a super special day.

-Dharma

Dear Dharma is an advice columnist who strives to be fair, firm and funny all while dispensing sound advice to your everyday problems.   Questions regarding family, friends and spouses, problems on the job, etiquette dilemmas – if you can think of it, it’s probably been asked! To find out more about Dharma and to read some of the great advice she’s given, check out her website at www.deardharma.ca

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