Joseph Attoh 
Marriage is a sacred covenant that requires more than feelings or emotions; it demands maturity, preparation, and understanding. For singles, it is crucial to know what a marital proposal truly entails to make wise decisions that impact their future. A marital proposal is not merely saying “I love you” and receiving a response. Feelings alone cannot guarantee compatibility, responsibility, or readiness for lifelong commitment.
Before proposing, one must know themselves fully – their personality, temperament, likes, dislikes, fertility status, and even physical and emotional readiness. Self-awareness illuminates the path to understanding others, helping singles identify partners who are compatible for marriage. Equally important is knowing how friendship works. Healthy marriages often grow from strong friendships where partners respect, accept, and relate to one another meaningfully. Dating, in this context, is a period of friendship and understanding, not the stage for proposals. It is a time to discern whether a partner’s values, habits, and lifestyle align with your own.
A proper marital proposal is a statement made by a person ready for marriage, usually a man to a woman, indicating emotional, physical, mental, and economic preparedness. It is guided by Scripture, such as Matthew 19:11, which reminds singles that not everyone is ready for marriage; maturity and grace are essential. A proposal must be time-bound, with clear intentions regarding the expected timeline of marriage, and guided by trusted stakeholders like parents or church leaders to ensure accountability and security.
Proposing without readiness can have lasting consequences. Unplanned or immature proposals may lead to confusion, regret, or emotional pain, even after formal wedding ceremonies. Weddings celebrate a union already initiated at the point of proposal; when the heart is unprepared, marriage struggles often follow. Singles are therefore encouraged to seek forgiveness, pray for guidance, and allow God to mature their love before proposing or accepting a proposal.
In conclusion, singles must know themselves, understand their prospective partner, and propose only when ready—emotionally, spiritually, and materially. Doing so ensures marriage begins on a foundation of wisdom, love, and preparedness, avoiding unnecessary heartache and fostering a lifelong covenant.
Written by Elder Tonnie Baffoe, Area SOM Coordinator – Agona Swedru Area
About The Author
Joseph Otsibah 
