So I've been with this girl for 5 months. It's been amazing. We began our relationship the night we met and just clicked, making little strides along the way. We went "exclusive" officially about 2 1/2 months ago and this week the topics of moving in together/marriage came up. It was the first time we really started talking about the future and our goals seem perfectly in line. I learned that she wants to get married; in fact, due to my awkwardness at how I phrase things sometimes, she thought I was asking her right then and there. She was ready to say yes. I assured her that no, she wouldn't have to ask if that was what I was asking; she'd know when I did, and there'd be a ring.
We both want it, we both feel ready for it. We'd like to find a place together post-engagement. She expressed her position that she must have at least that level of commitment before living together, which is something that I'm fine with (and nytimes.com/2012/04/15/opinion/sunday/the-downside-of-cohabiting-before-marriage.html suggests is better). But, I can't do that due to my current lease for another 6 months or so. It's not practical for her to move in with me, we will need to find a new place together in another area of town. So, that gives me a time-line. At some point in the next 6 months I will propose, and almost certainly she will accept. The question is, when? Sooner or later? She hasn't met my parents yet as they live far away, but she will meet them in early April. Do I owe it to them to wait until they've met before getting engaged? I'm sure they'll love her, and even if they didn't that wouldn't change my mind anyway. Otherwise is there any point to waiting? Is there any need to rush it? Does anyone here have similar experiences to relate which might suggest the appropriate course of action? Thanks!
