I think that point is different for everyone, so it is difficult to offer any sort of time guidelines for when it is OK.

6 Months Minimum.

However, in my dating experiences, I have found that six months is usually the time frame within which you truly get to know the real person. When you first meet someone, you are trying desperately to impress, but eventually your true character shines through. So maybe it's just coincidence, but I have found this to be a critical milestone in my relationships for being able to see the true character of a person.

I got engaged after dating for a little over one year, and that turned out be an excellent time frame for me. The year that we spent together allowed us to experience many different situations (such as illness, conflicts, family issues, etc.). This enabled me to see how he handles these types of situations, and how he reacts to pressure, hardships, and even successes. We had enough time to discover each others' strengths and weaknesses, and to make an honest assessment -- apart from our feelings for each other -- whether or not we have what it takes for a lasting marriage.

Granted, it was difficult for me to wait for a whole year to get engaged because I think I knew after about six months that he was right for me. But I am glad we waited, as it only solidified our commitment to each other and gave us more confirmation. Besides, if you are going to spend the rest of your life together, waiting for a few months to be absolutely sure is a worthwhile investment, and you will be together anyway in the process.

Deciding Who To Marry is an Important Decision.

Deciding who to marry is the most important decision you will make in life, and it will affect the rest of your life. This is not something that should be entered into lightly!

So, I would not be overly concerned with a magic number of months, but I would make sure you have had enough time together to weather some storms with him, to experience each other in lots of different situations, and to honestly get to know him long after the "best behavior" act has worn off and you can be more honest and real with each other.

Personally, I wouldn't even discuss engagement until I was reasonably sure that the relationship is headed in that direction so that you don't put unnecessary pressure on him. When you are absolutely sure that he is the one you want to commit the rest of your life to, I don't think it would hurt to discuss it, provided that he has indicated similar intentions toward you.