Serious question about popping the question (could use women's advice here)

[Church]

^ Mudra, that is beautiful advice. It's what, deep down, I actually believe, yet I still feel the need to entertain all possibilities and get a better perspective on things, even if I do end up doing just what you so eloquently posted above. Thank you.

To THE eXchanger: In regards to the asking her first before getting a ring... seriously? I don't mind if you're playing with me, but I just want to know if you are. It seems like a tacky thing to do, right? To wait to buy the ring until she says yes? (It's a funny thought, though, I must admit). And of course, it's always a possibility that she'll say no, but I refuse to feed that quantum possibility, that's all. We've been together for almost 4 years now. We've had some ups and downs. But it's because of those downs that I know I can spend the rest of my life with her.

Wow I'm nervous suddenly...