10 Thoughts I Had Immediately After Getting Engaged

In case you missed it, a few weeks ago I got engaged. Since then, it’s been a whirlwind of congratulations and many, many questions from family and friends about wedding dates, themes and more. Since being engaged is new and foreign to me, I thought it would be fun to put together a list of the top 10 thoughts that went through my head immediately after getting engaged. Have you gone through these as well, or am I just crazy?

1. I’m old. Yes, I realize you can get engaged at any age- whether you’re 18 or 38- but making a lifelong commitment to someone is one of the more common life experiences that makes you feel “grown up”. When I was little, I always imagined myself looking and acting older when I got engaged or married, which is weird. But no- I still have the face and body of a 16-year old and hopefully they make wedding dresses that cater to that.
2. How the hell am I going to pay for a wedding? Seeing as the average wedding costs about as much as one year of my college tuition, (which I will be paying off in loans until I’m probably 50 years old), I can’t even begin to think how we’re going to be able to pay for all of this. Yes, I realize you get some of the cash back as a wedding gift, but still… The flowers alone cost thousands of dollars and they die 3 days later.
3. Shiny ring… shiny ring… shiny ring. I can’t stop looking at my ring and admiring it. This doesn’t mean I’m a self-obsessed, narcissistic person who only likes material things, but when you’re wearing a gorgeous diamond, it’s hard not to like it. And I’d actually be offended if I was James and my fiance wasn’t beaming every time she looked at her finger. The point of a ring is obviously the bond you’re sharing with your fiance and your promise to get married, but it’s also supposed to be pretty and make you feel good. And mine does. And no, I’m not sorry for that.
4. How did I get this lucky? Everyone dreams about meeting their soulmate and spending the majority of their life with someone special. Whether you want to admit it or not- we all have those innate needs of being loved and sharing that with someone else. I always think to myself, “How did I get so lucky to find James?” How did I find someone who shares common interests and beliefs, makes me smile and laugh and treats me like I’m the best thing on the planet?
5. I’m going to have to change my last name. I adore my last name. It’s cutesy, funny and unique (it’s pronounced “my-lady”, FYI). I’m also a writer, which means all my bylines on the internet and in print reads as Rachel Maleady. But after I get married, that will change to reflect James’ last name. So naturally, I’m anxious and nervous about how this well affect me as a writer and also for my SEO. When a future employer tries to Google me, will anything even show up? Is there a porn star or someone else with a tainted image who just so happens to share my new first and last name combination? #thestruggleisreal.
6. Are people going to de-friend me now? As pathetic as it is, some people become jealous monsters when their friends/peers/frenemies get engaged. I know, it’s bizarre and no, I hope I don’t have anyone in my life who would do this, but who knows. It’s happened to me before (when I started a new relationship, when I got a new job, etc.) and I’ve watched it happen to friends and peers who have gotten engaged recently. It’s sad that my mind wanders to this, but shit happens. I’m happy to report that so far, everyone has been extremely supportive and I’m so thankful for that. And I don’t think I’m important enough for anyone to be jealous like that- come on now.
7. I should stop buying rings now. I used to be an avid ring wearer- I wore a few silver rings on each hand. But now that I have a sparkly engagement ring, it looks cluttered and tacky to wear other rings along with it. So now I will stick to necklaces and bracelets so I don’t look like a misinformed fashion blogger. Keep it simple, ladies!
8. Will less guys hit on me now that I have a huge, noticeable rock on my finger? I know that sounds terrible, but it’s true. I can’t tell you how many creepy guys have made comments like, “Well I don’t see a ring on your finger” when hitting on me. Side note: Does this mean I’m getting old? All women deal with their fair share of creeps hitting on them, so naturally I’m curious if an engagement ring will do anything to halt these attempts.
9. How many times am I going to scratch myself with this thing? I do crazy things when I sleep, so I wouldn’t be surprised if I wake up often with weird marks all over my face/body from my ring. I realize that I could sleep without it on, but I’m worried that I will forget to wear it if I don’t sleep with it on. I’m also worried that it’s going to catch on my sweaters and ruin them. First world problems, I know.
10. Dress shopping is going to be so much fun! I loved shopping for the perfect prom dress back in high school, and wedding dress shopping is ten times more exciting (and expensive). Can’t wait to try on a bunch of different styles and find “the one” to make the day extra special.