Perfect Yuletide proposal all down to preparation

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This article was published 24/12/2020 (2112 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DEAR READERS: It’s Christmas Eve, and a time for real hope. Coronavirus vaccines are starting to roll out, and 2021 promises to be a healthier, happier year. People are brave, and there are still bright new beginnings — such as the young man in the first letter, wanting help with his proposal later tonight. Happy Holidays!

— Miss Lonelyhearts

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I need you to please reply on the morning of Christmas Eve because I’m going to propose, and I’m scared stiff! I don’t know what my sweetheart wants me to do or say — and she’s the type who’s a bit old-fashioned. I know she’d be disappointed if I just handed her the ring.

What a ring it is, Miss L.! I know she’ll love it, because she pointed it out to me two years ago, when it was really early in our relationship. I knew she was “the one” and she loved me back. She saw it one day when we were in a jewelry store buying something for her mom’s birthday, but we were kind of poor then, and it was early.

Actually, my dad secretly helped me buy that big diamond soon after, and I have been paying him back. This fall It was all mine! I have a good job now, and a small rental house with a fireplace. My beautiful lady has been living with me since COVID started. We have a pretty, decorated Christmas tree as of today! What should I do and say Christmas Eve? Please help!

—Very Nervous Guy, Wolseley

Dear Nervous: Here’s the old-fashioned Christmassy way. First, plug in the tree, and suggest a little walk in the snow. Come home to the tree lights in the window, turn on some music your sweetheart likes and light a fire. Then put champagne in a bucket and prepare some appetizers you know she likes.

Suggest to your girlfriend that it would be nice if you dress up a little bit, dance in the living room and take some Christmas Eve photos. Why? Because if you take dual selfies after the ring presentation, she’ll want to be looking great.

As you probably realize, “Will you marry me?” isn’t enough for this scene. So, what should you say? Start with her name, as this is going to get formal. Tell her how much you love her, that you knew almost from the start and that you realized you wanted to be with her forever. If you both want a family, also say you look forward to having children with her, and bringing them up together. Then, get down on one knee, open the fancy ring box and say, “I love you forever. Will you marry me?” offering up the ring. If she says yes (of course she will!), put the ring on her finger and seal it with a kiss.

P.S.: Do this early enough in the evening that you have time to phone your most important people and tell them! Best wishes and all the luck in the world!

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I’m not organized for this strange pandemic Christmas and I’d like to make contact with a bunch of people on Christmas Day, but not sure when it would be welcome. What do you think, and when do you think I should start telephoning a list of friends and family?

— All Alone This Christmas, Fort Rouge

Dear Alone: It’s a great idea! Except for closest friends and relatives, wait until noon and then call everybody freely. People will be little lonely this year and in smaller groups, so they will enjoy your phone calls. Just have all your numbers prepared ahead of time and don’t spend too long on each call. Leave your number and promise to get back for a longer chat during the holidays. Have fun with this!

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6.

Miss Lonelyhearts
Advice Columnist

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