The days of women waiting around for a proposal are long gone, but there’s still a widespread expectation that men must be the one to get down on one knee. The perfect time to do it is on a leap year – the bonus day of 29th February is a traditional day for women to do the asking. So, if you’re sick of waiting for the ring, here are some ways women can propose to men.
Be prepared for the family to be shocked
Even if it is a leap year, people may act shocked or make negative comments about your decision to do the proposing. A survey of married couples showed only 5% said the woman proposed, even though three-quarters of Americans say this would be fine.
Discuss marriage first
Surprise proposals are nice, but it’s unwise to propose if you are unsure what the answer will be. Before you plan a big proposal, especially if it’s going to be in public, you should have the big chat about your future, when you might want to get married, children and the other big milestones. If he’s expressed that he’s not going to be ready for a few years, then a romantic proposal isn’t going to change his mind.
Pick somewhere private
While YouTube is full of big, public proposals, most of which have a happy ending, the truth is that not everybody likes this sort of attention. While most people will say yes when all eyes are on them, they may then quietly turn you down later, which is obviously going to be upsetting. A poll found that an overwhelming majority of people want a proposal in private, whether it’s a secluded area of a park, at home, or a rented venue.
Buy a ring
When you get down on one knee, your partner’s first instinct may be to think it’s all a prank. You can show you’re serious by choosing a simple ring from F Jewellery men’s jewellery collection. Men don’t traditionally wear engagement rings, so there are no specific guidelines about what to choose. Some women buy a simple silver ring as a promise ring, while others opt for a masculine version of the standard engagement ring format – a band with a diamond. If he likes the ring, he can always keep wearing it as a wedding ring.
Be straightforward
While you could write a long, flowery speech asking him to marry you, it’s better to get to the point. “I love you, will you marry me?” is sufficient for the occasion, and you won’t have to get offended if he forgets the details of your speech when recounting the tale.
Be prepared for different reactions
If you’re at the stage of proposing, then hopefully you know your partner well enough to predict that they’ll say yes. However, even if he’s expressed that he wants to get married soon, there could be many reasons why he says no. He may feel upset that you have robbed him of the chance to propose, or he may simply feel lukewarm about marriage and not want to make things official yet. It’s worth thinking about what you’ll do if he says no, so you can stay calm and composed.
While women proposing to men is now more socially acceptable than ever, it still bucks the trend, so be prepared!
