Here's what typically happens when people find out I'm engaged.
Girls first:
1) Girl squeals and/or jumps
2) Girl says "Finally!"
3) Girl looks at ring. At this point you can tell that most girls are surprised by the ring, maybe because it isn't a solitaire and maybe because my ring is square (which is awesome). Some girls try very hard to come up with reasons why it is "very... ummmm... nice".
4) Girl asks if I've been dress shopping.
5) Girl asks if I know where, when, and the million subsequent details of the wedding.
Boys second:
1) Boy looks nonplussed.
2) Boy, if accompanied by girl, will attempt to be interested in the ring, and his interest may be excited by the fact that it is made of palladium, which for some reason is just cooler than platinum, but then again he may glaze over.
3) Boy, if alone, will ask if there is an open bar.
So far the best response to being engaged has been from my coworker Noe, who said (and I quote):
"Shut up! Shut up -- you are not! No way! I never thought it would happen for real!"
Note the complete disbelief. I love it! That was our evil plan, being together for years and years (and years and years) so we could trick people into thinking we were never going to tie the knot... :-) OK, not an evil plan but it at least makes for a good hat trick right now...
Most blah response, from chance encounter with acquaintance in hallway:
"Aren't you already married to him?"
An obvious and not infrequent response when we have been together for 8 years. BUT, this response does raise the interesting idea of getting married to somebody twice, maybe so as to capitalize on the registry option. But frankly, planning this shin-dig once will be plenty for me.
