To buy an engagement ring to NOT propose

[Blahblahgoat]

Let’s say you found your engagement ring. Then let’s say you found out your engagement ring was bought years ago (as in SIX years ago). You have been together 11 years, live together, have pets together and a kid together. He knows you want to get married.

Is it normal to keep hold of a ring for years and then propose? Or is holding onto a ring to just put off using it a huge red flag?

My head is spinning

Does 6 years fit in with any milestone, like thinking of buying the house?
If you want to get married, I would take knowledge of the ring as a sign that he’s already thought about it, but got stressed out about a big proposal, however there is a lot more water under the bridge now.
In your case and situation I would say that you think you should get married say next summer for your 12 year anniversary, just a simple wedding with your child as a flower child etc. I bit like planning a holiday. No awkward asking him to marry you, just tell him that’s what you should do. Hopefully the ring will appear in the next few weeks.

If that doesn’t work, I would hold off having the second child until married, as a bargaining chip.

I wondered that too.

Is he the higher earner? If so that is the answer