Timing is everything when it comes to serious relationship talks — and marriage is about as serious as it gets. You don't want to bring it up too soon before you’ve built a strong emotional foundation. But you also don’t want to wait so long that it starts to feel like the elephant in the room.
Generally, once you’ve been through real life together — not just vacations and date nights, but also conflicts, stress, and important life decisions — it’s a good time to start talking about marriage. If you've met each other's families, talked about career goals, or made big financial decisions together, those are signs that the relationship is deep enough for those conversations to happen naturally.
The best time to bring it up is when you’re both feeling secure, connected, and relaxed. Maybe you're having a quiet night in or enjoying a weekend getaway. Avoid bringing it up during stressful times, like job changes, big moves, or family conflicts. Setting the right emotional environment makes it easier for both of you to approach the topic with an open heart and clear mind.
Remember: the first conversation doesn’t have to be a proposal-level discussion. It's just opening the door to make sure you're dreaming about the same future together.