by Leonore Dicker
 
If your special person recently popped the question, we’d like to begin by saying: congratulations! While you may now want to scream it from every rooftop, there are a few things you should bear in mind.
 
The absolute first thing you should do is get a manicure. In the next week, everyone will constantly be looking at your hands, so make sure that they are hydrated and that your nails are groomed.
 
Traditional Arab engagement etiquette advises that, after discussing the engagement with your partner, set a date when his family can come over and ask for your hand officially, with both families witnessing the beautiful union (now, you can make that Facebook status at your will).
 
Close friends should either be told in person, on the phone or by email. Make sure you’ve told everyone who matters before announcing it to the world, as that might hurt their feelings. If you’d like to tell them all at once, you could organize a little event where you announce the special news. Do remember that anyone invited to this should also be invited to the wedding!
 
Once you’re ready to graciously post the news, make sure to focus on your love rather than on your ring. Show the world how happy you are, as opposed to how stunning your rock is. Post a happy photograph of you and your fiancé together with a simple inclusion of your right hand – that will show more grace than a close-up of your ring.
 
Newspaper engagement announcements are another lovely old-fashioned way to publicize the big news. If you’re more of a vintage lady, we recommend that you consider contacting your local newspaper. The traditional announcement should look similar to this: “"Mr. and Mrs. X, , announce the engagement of their daughter, X, to X, son of Mr. and Mrs. X. A June wedding has been planned."
 
Expect many responses to your announcement, and do make the time to reply to each wish. Gratitude is always a good look!