I'm allowed to want things.

Of course you are. I just wanted to hear why. You are naturally under no obligation explicit or implicit to give reasons that apply generally or personally.

I'm dismayed that I have apparently offended you. Please accept a sincere apology. I genuinely didn't realize the topic might create resentment here.

What does the outside view say about when during the course of a relationship it is wisest to get engaged (in terms of subsequent marital longevity/quality)? Data that doesn't just turn up obvious correlations with religious groups who forbid divorce is especially useful.

I assumed from the wording of the above request for data that you weren't seeking for congratulations or the like but information on the general desirability of the arrangement, and when it is most appropriate. I was simply trying to elicit what information and thoughts you've come up on your own so far because I too was interested in the question. And I too have a personal stake in it as well since I've had discussions on the topic with one of my partners.

Edit: To respond to the addition of this:

Have you considered reacting to the need to apologize by ceasing to produce it? It can't be very inadvertent. It looks awfully advertent, or at least not like an evitandum of any kind.

I was apologizing because you where sending strong signals but I wasn't sure what exactly I was doing wrong. I mean I could have cut off all further communication but that would have left me very confused.

I proceeded as I normally do in such circumstances, by apologizing for any inadvertent offence and asking for clarifications, that would hopefully let me figure out what exactly caused the negative response. If you note above, you see that I basically made a guess at what might have offended you and proceeded to apologize for that.