So, you’ve been with your man for a while now. You’ve laughed together, cried together, built memories, and shared dreams. You’ve talked about the future, and maybe even dropped hints about rings and wedding dresses.
Now, something feels different. He’s acting… a little off. Sweet, attentive—but also a bit nervous. Secretive. Like he’s hiding something.
Could it be? Is he planning to propose?
If your intuition is sounding the alarm (in the best way), you might be right. Men often leave breadcrumbs behind before popping the question, even when they try to be sneaky about it.
Here are 16 telltale clues he might be hiding an engagement ring somewhere nearby—and getting ready to ask the biggest question of your life.
1. He Suddenly Starts Acting Suspicious with His Phone
He used to leave his phone lying around, no problem. Now? He’s oddly protective. He takes it with him everywhere. If you even glance toward his screen, he quickly flips it over.
Chances are, he’s not hiding anything shady—he’s just trying to keep engagement ring sites or surprise proposal plans under wraps.
2. He’s Been Hanging Out With Your Best Friend More
Your best friend suddenly seems super close with him. They’re texting. They “ran into each other.” They grabbed coffee. Hmm.
He might be consulting them about the kind of ring you want—or even enlisting their help for the proposal planning. Friends are often co-conspirators when something magical is about to happen.
3. He’s Nervous and Fidgety Around You Lately
You’ve noticed he’s a little jumpy. Like he has something big to say—but keeps stopping short.
He might be nervous about proposing. He could already have the ring and be waiting for the right moment. The weight of the question might be making him act awkward or overly attentive.
4. He’s Suddenly Into Jewelry Conversations
Out of nowhere, he starts asking you questions like, “Do you prefer gold or silver?” or “Which of these rings do you like more?”
He might disguise it as a casual question or say it’s for a “friend,” but come on—you know better. He’s fishing for your taste in engagement rings without giving the game away.
5. He Keeps Asking About Your Schedule
He’s weirdly interested in your plans for next weekend. Or next month. He keeps checking if you’re free on a specific day—but won’t say why.
That’s a clear sign something special is brewing. Proposals often involve surprise plans, and he’s trying to carve out time without blowing his cover.
6. He’s Making Big Life Changes or Taking on Extra Work
He’s working overtime, budgeting more, or suddenly seems laser-focused on his career.
Why? Because he’s preparing for a big financial step. Engagement rings aren’t cheap, and many men want to feel financially ready before proposing. If he’s hustling harder than ever, he might already have the ring—or be saving up for it.
7. He’s Extra Attentive to What You Like
He’s paying attention to your Pinterest boards. He asks you more detailed questions about your favorite flowers, restaurants, or romantic locations.
It’s not random—it’s research. He’s building the perfect proposal based on what you love.
8. He Takes a Solo Shopping Trip
He disappears one afternoon with a vague excuse like “errands” or “just needed to get out.”
Then he comes home acting slightly guilty… but also kind of excited. You might even catch a receipt or bag from a jewelry store.
He’s definitely been up to something sparkly.
9. He’s Making Sweet, Nostalgic Gestures
He suddenly brings up your first date, your favorite song, or little inside jokes from the beginning of your relationship.
He might be reflecting on your journey together as he prepares to take the next big step. And if he’s unusually sentimental lately, it could mean a proposal is close.
10. He Plans a “Random” Romantic Outing
Out of nowhere, he plans a fancy dinner or a romantic weekend getaway. When you ask what it’s for, he says something vague like, “Just because.”
But you know him—he doesn’t usually do things “just because.” He might be laying the groundwork for a surprise proposal. That romantic evening might not be as random as it seems.
11. He Gets Quiet When Marriage Comes Up
You mention weddings or engagements, and suddenly, he gets quiet or changes the subject.
He’s not being distant—he’s probably just terrified of giving something away. If you bring up rings or proposals and he stiffens or blushes, that’s a clue he might already be hiding something shiny.
12. He’s More Emotional or Reflective Than Usual
He might be acting a little more soft-hearted. He says “I love you” more. He holds your hand longer. He stares at you in quiet moments.
He’s likely feeling the emotions of what he’s about to do. Proposing is a big deal—even for men who don’t always show their feelings. This emotional shift could be part of the buildup.
13. He’s Acting Cagey Around the Holidays or Your Birthday
Special occasions are prime time for proposals. If your birthday or an anniversary is coming up and he seems extra on edge or overly invested in “making it perfect,” that could be a massive sign.
He’s probably counting down the days just as much as you are—and for a very specific reason.
14. He Avoids Certain Stores With You
He used to love window shopping with you, even at jewelry counters. Now, if you wander into a store like that, he pulls you away quickly.
Why? Because he doesn’t want you to see something and say, “Oooh, I love that one!” after he’s already bought something totally different. He’s terrified of spoiling the surprise or picking the wrong style.
15. You Catch Him Smiling at You When You’re Not Looking
You feel his gaze, turn around, and catch him grinning at you like he’s keeping a beautiful secret.
That’s because he is. He might already have the ring tucked away in a sock drawer or glove box, and just looking at you makes him emotional about what’s coming next.
16. He’s Been Chatting With Your Family—More Than Usual
He might be calling your dad more than he used to. Or planning brunch with your mom. Maybe he’s been suspiciously interested in what your siblings are doing.
Odds are, he’s asking for blessings. Getting advice. Looping them into the biggest decision of his life. If your family’s acting a little strange too—smiling, teasing, avoiding certain topics—they may already know something you don’t.
17. He’s Been Saving Money Without a Clear Reason
Have you noticed he’s suddenly more frugal than usual? Skipping takeout, cutting back on splurges, or even turning down vacations he once would’ve jumped at? When a man is quietly saving for something big—especially a ring—his financial behavior shifts. You might not know where the money’s going, but his determination to stash away extra funds is a pretty sparkly clue.
18. He’s Protective of His Closet or Drawer
He’s never cared before when you helped organize his side of the closet or tidied up that messy drawer… but now? He’s quick to jump up and say, “I’ll do it.” That extra protectiveness around his stuff—especially the places you don’t usually check—is often a sign something valuable (and secret) is tucked away in there. A velvet box, perhaps?
19. He’s Asking You Random Ring Sizes
Whether he’s casually asking about your ring size in the middle of dinner or sneakily trying to measure your finger with a string “for fun,” this is a major clue. Even if he tries to play it off like it’s no big deal, it means he’s either shopping—or has already bought the ring and wants to confirm he got it right.
20. He Starts Praising Marriage in Conversations
A guy who once seemed nonchalant or even resistant to the idea of marriage suddenly lights up when talking about weddings or long-term commitment? That’s not random. He might start saying things like, “I love seeing couples who’ve been together forever,” or “I think marriage is kind of beautiful.” He’s not just warming up to the idea—he’s preparing you for what’s coming.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve read through this list and found yourself nodding over and over… congratulations. You may very well be days or weeks away from a once-in-a-lifetime proposal.
While not every man is great at keeping secrets, most try their best to make the moment special and surprising. So even if you know something’s up, try not to ruin the magic for yourself. Let him have his moment, even if you saw it coming.
And when the day finally comes—when he gets down on one knee, heart racing, voice shaking—you’ll be able to smile through the tears and say, “I knew it.”
Just remember to act surprised.
