Usually, when someone refers to “a previous engagement,” it’s their polite way of telling you that they’re too busy to come to your thing.

But for some people, that banal little term might just trigger all kinds of awful feelings. Because some folks have had lots of “previous engagements” – and not the trivial kind.

The plan, ostensibly, is that you get engaged once, married once (to that same person) and then just kinda keep that rolling until one of you dies. That’s how most of us see it playing out anyway. But some poor souls seem to be stuck in a series of false starts, and they just don’t know what to do about it.

Here are ten real anonymous confessions from the perpetually – and previously – engaged.

10. Fourth time’s the charm?

At least you’ve got a sense of humor about it.

Source: Whisper

9. No commitment

But cosplaying commitment is pretty fun, huh?

Source: Whisper

8. The cheats

Look, no victim blaming, but it may be prudent to take a good hard look at your type right about now.

Source: Whisper

7. I’m afraid

It’s like a romcom, except way more bleakly realistic.

Source: Whisper

6. I feel weird

Just remember – you never have to get married. It’s your life, not theirs.

Source: Whisper

5. Once in a while

And how many times is it?

Source: Whisper

4. Horrible relationships

That’s a very difficult thing to have to carry around.

Source: Whisper

3. The serial proposer

What’s gone wrong the other times?

Source: Whisper

2. The other man

I’d say discouraging would likely be an understatement.

Source: Whisper

1. Giving up

I get it.

Source: Whisper

Woof. That is the stuff of some premium heartbreak right there.

Have you ever been engaged? How did it go?

Tell us in the comments.