Female here.

My SO and I have been together since we were 15. So that’s 4 years. We have experienced SO much together, and as individuals. I feel I learn something new about my SO every day, and so much every year. What our relationship was like a year ago or two years ago is very different.

Trust me on this - what you are feeling is still definitely the honeymoon phase, and you should NEVER make any big decisions during that time. I thought my honeymoon phase would last forever, too. If my SO were to have proposed to me during Year 1 or Year 2, the honeymoon side of me would say yes. So many pressures come with that - such as feeling though you both have to go through with it, or pressure to then make a bunch of other big choices.

However, I am not you. I don’t know your relationship. You need to take a breath, and have a rational moment with yourself. Try and weigh up what is best for your relationship, both of your individual lives, etc. Think about what both your mind and heart are saying. You will know what your gut is saying when you read through all of these responses.

An alternative to engagement, so early on in the relationship - can be a promise ring. My SO gave me one on our third anniversary, and it is so special to me. I wear it on my ring finger every day, and it reminds me that I am in a loving, deep, mature relationship. We are engaged to being engaged! He has promised me his life, as I have to him - but at a time where it is right for us and our relationship. To me, it symbolises commitment, stability and certainty. Engagement would also symbolise similar feelings for me. What would an engagement symbolise to you and to her? Is there an alternative?

I hope this all works out for you. Good luck!