So how do you keep your sanity and preserve the sanctity of your relationship before falling down the wedding planning rabbit hole? Try these five steps:

It's hard to be original with marriage proposals these days. As the screenwriters say, everything's been done!

I popped the question, but it wouldn't have been possible if she hadn't sent the first message.

When you look close enough, you can see themes that shine through to be the rule rather than the exception. The commonalities aren't trivial either. They show that love is a combination of selflessness, hard work, conscientiousness, consideration, thoughtfulness and appreciation.