[MandieD]

I was proposed to via mindmap, essentially. Only fly in the ointment was that, as a German, he didn’t realize that greeting me with “we need to talk” set my mind in a completely different direction, but aside from that, seeing his thinking behind his long-term hopes for our relationship was quite romantic.

Looking for the stone together was entertaining after I was able to get him to understand that I really, really didn’t expect him to spend the “two months' salary” that is “customary” in my home country (USA).

If you want the romantic surprise, arrange a nice, private dinner (or other private special occasion) and get a silver CZ ring to present as a placeholder for the ring she’s going to help you pick out, making it clear that it’s a placeholder. If this does not go over well, better to find this out about her before making a big legal commitment!

[sukilot]

Did you get a diamond? If so, How do you justify to yourself that a diamond is moral, ethical, or practical choice?

[jimhefferon]

Nice story!