The Night I Thought He’d Propose… He Played a Joke Instead—So I Gave Him One Back

He grinned. “Better than a guy who makes a joke out of the things that matter to you most.”

Before he left, he asked me out.

I said, “Only if you promise not to fake-celebrate my career—or my hairline.”

He laughed. “Deal.”

What I Thought Would Be a Proposal… Was Actually My Freedom

That night wasn’t what I expected. I didn’t get a diamond ring. I didn’t start planning a wedding.

Instead, I discovered something far more valuable: clarity.

Clarity that love shouldn’t make you feel small. That jokes aren’t harmless when they mock your hurt. That standing up for yourself might feel terrifying—but it also feels like coming home to who you truly are.

So no, Ryan didn’t propose.

But I said “yes” to myself.
And that’s a commitment I’ll never regret.