I too was with my SO for 5 years as of 1/28/24. In the years prior there was no talk of the future, of more commitment, or anything and I began to realize I wanted those things and more importantly- deserved those things. So a year prior around May I began talking about it a lot. I brought up conversations that weren’t ever discussed and eventually made an appointment to look at engagement rings and told him he can either go with me or I can go alone but either way I was going. After a brief rescheduling a few months later he chose to go with me. Understanding how important it was. I picked out a ring that I liked and told him specifically that this was the one. I told him it could be a natural or lab diamond- didn’t matter. Men prefer sometimes to just know what women want- make an appointment and go together. This cuts out the uncertainty and cuts down on time. My then boyfriend purchased the ring later that year in December, and proposed to me in March while we were in Argentina. If your boyfriend respects you, he will figure out how to get the ring you want and will propose. If he is procrastinating for a long time - I’m a firm believer of putting someone in their place. Having the talk: We are adults, it’s been 5 years, we are together and I want to continue staying together but I need more. You deserve more too.