A couple of quick tips from the expert (me). Please don’t ruin the fun of a surprise engagement by getting too nosey. Just go with it, no matter how out of character something may seem. Also, you can’t let yourself get down if/when there is no proposal even when all of the signs are there. Keep telling yourself that half the fun of the time before the proposal is the anticipation!

Seven Signs He’s About to Propose

His apartment is clean, he’s saving money, and Thursday night poker with the guys has turned into date night with you? Either your guy is coming down with something, or he’s planning to pop the question. Read on for more telltale signs that he’s ready to say “I do.”

1. He’s Growing out of His Bachelor Ways
You can tell his bachelor days are behind him when his number one priority is no longer himself. If he’s constantly using terms like “we” and “our,” and plans for a weekend with the guys in Vegas are suddenly on the back burner while weekend picnics with you are becoming more common, he’s probably not just sick of his buddies. He might’ve realized that he prefers a more settled lifestyle, and this transition puts him squarely on the path to proposing.

2. He’s Redecorating
You may also notice certain items have disappeared from his pad, like his college posters and Star Wars memorabilia. Did he ditch that ugly brown chair for a nice new couch? It could be the start of major changes — your boyfriend is making room in his life for you, both physically and emotionally.

3. He’s Curbing Big Purchases
Has your boyfriend gone from big spender to scrooge? The plasma screen TV he’d been planning to buy isn’t hanging over his mantel, and instead of buying rounds of drinks at happy hour after work, he’s home cooking dinner. No, he’s not training for Top Chef; he’s started to eliminate frivolous spending to brace for a large down payment (on your ring). And it’s not just the jewelry he’s saving for — he may be putting away money now so that the two of you will be comfortable well into the future.

4. He’s Not Complaining About Weddings
While at a wedding together, it’s more than just the usual eagerness for an open bar. He’s not cracking jokes during the vow exchange — he’s commenting on the couple’s first-dance song choice and the meal selection. Take it as a sign that he’s paying attention to all things wedding-related because matrimony is on his mind.

5. He’s Taken an Interest in Your Jewelry
Has he been complimenting your great ability to accessorize? Snooping around in your jewelry box? Holding your hand, constantly? All kidding aside, when your favorite ring goes missing, you’ll know for sure that he’s trying to find a covert way to figure out your size.

6. He Wants to Meet the Parents
Okay, so he’s probably already met your parents. If he hasn’t and has become insistent on meeting them, it’s probably for a good reason. But if he already knows them well and has become the first to RSVP for your nephew’s birthday party, jumps at the chance for a weekend visit with your parents, or, even more telling, tries to plan outings for both your families to hang out together, he’s ready for the next step.

7. He’s Acting out of Character
You know his daily routine inside and out, and any variation is enough to give you pause. If he’s super-insistent that you guys do something you never do (like take a walk through a park or drive to a place to watch the sunset), he may be setting you up to speak those four little words: “Will you marry me?” After all that hard work, be sure to make it easy on him and say “yes!”