The photo that sums up an unspoken rule about proposing, that we definitely need to talk about.

A viral photo shared on Twitter has shone a spotlight on something most women have quietly thought about, but never wanted to say out loud, when it comes to getting engaged.

Let’s be real: Did you even get engaged if you don’t post a photo of you with your fiancé and the wedding ring, within an hour of the proposal? Pfft, obviously not.

But this poses a problem.

What if you weren’t… ready. Nail-wise.

Twitter user @goodgaljenjen, shared how she became the official MVP at her cousin’s engagement by offering her hand-modelling duties during a crucial moment.

Observe:

My cousin’s boyfriend proposed to her but she didn’t have her nails done lmao pic.twitter.com/FUwwplzkYg

— Jenna (@goodgaljenjen) November 3, 2018

Jenna’s tweet was short and sweet, but said everything about a) the awkwardness of getting engaged when your hand and nails are not in their best condition, and b) the ‘expectations’ vs ‘reality’ divide of any Instagram engagement shot.

And excuse us, but can we just take a minute to appreciate the crossed-arm, multi-tasking, second-camera action? Truly, photography work worthy of an A-grade influencer.

Since sharing her post under a day ago, Jenna's photos have since gone viral, with nearly 2,500 comments, 106,000 retweets and 457,000 likes.

Several replies have also proven that pre-proposal nail care anxiety is very much a thing and why is it so difficult being a woman.

There is a lesson here. When a person is ready to propose, you must make sure that your partner’s hands are in a condition that also says “I’m ready.”

— LB (@LBMarcie) November 3, 2018

Teamwork ???? pic.twitter.com/L1uZCWKvwM

— Stella (@stellakibazo) November 3, 2018

So men take note of your ladies hands and make sure her manicure is worthy of that ROCK????

— ImPowered Wellness (@staceykarseras) November 3, 2018

Lol my husband suggested I pamper myself and get a manicure the night before he proposed. I should have known something was up ???????? pic.twitter.com/KAbib6ovF8

— Mallory (@mallory_strong) November 3, 2018

You are a real cousin for that one. You are what Kendrick and Rihanna sung about “Loyalty”. You deserve endless Starbucks. You really came through. pic.twitter.com/fhJey1OP73

— Langston’s Daughter (@AuthorLHayes) November 3, 2018

How dare he propose to her without her nails being done lmao

— November 12 (@JJ_Cognac) November 3, 2018

Do you have any similar stories to share? Is this something you're genuinely worried about? Please tell us in a comment below.

This is life with and without nails... all manicure devotees will know this to be true.