[norm-from-cheers]

My girlfriend and I are at a similar stage in our relationship, when we are both pretty close to diving into marriage.

Now I haven't been married before, so perhaps my advice ain't so hot, but it really feels important to have talks about marriage with your partner. Being able to communicate is so important to a longterm relationship and this is certainly no exception.

But... thanks maybe to hollywood, romance novels, etc., I think men feel a lot of pressure to surprise their partner with some sort of romantic spontaneity -- as if being surprised by a wedding proposal is a good thing.

This isn't like getting a girl a bouquet of flowers; this is her life! You don't have to tell them when the proposal is coming, but at least be able to sit down and talk about where you see yourselves in 5 or 10 years from now.