29th February is traditionally the day when women can propose to men, rather than the other way around.
The opportunity only arises every four years when there’s a Leap Year. (And there’s one coming right up next year in 2012.)
Or does it? In these more modern times, isn’t that a bit outdated? After all, we’ve moved on a bit since the days of Downton Abbey. In the age of equal pay, driving our own cars (that we’ve bought), running top companies, buying our own flats…. Shouldn’t we be able to propose to men whenever and however WE want?
To answer this question, we ran a survey to see what YOU thought about it all.
Did you think women should be able to propose? Or is it still a job for men?
The results may surprise you
45% of you thought that women should be able to propose at anytime, not just on 29th February in Leap Year.
Interestingly, 44% were old-fashioned about the whole popping the question thing, saying that you thought it was a man’s job.
Sounds like 4% of you are getting a bit exasperated by the whole business, saying that “somebody’s got to do it”.
Finally, 7% of you think it’s fine for women to propose but ONLY on the 29th February. Maybe you feel a bit shy of doing it at another time, need a good reason to pluck up courage?
Fact: Men can be shy of proposing
If that’s the case, just imagine how scared men must feel at crucial moments – like when you’re both walking along a romantic beach, looking at a beautiful sunset, celebrating the anniversary of when you first met. Bit of pressure going on then!
Get him in the mood
But if YOU feel like popping the question to your man – whether it’s on the 29th February or at any other time, you might find it easier to take him somewhere he’ll love. Set the scene a bit. Get him in the right frame of mind.
Is your man a wild man? A thrill seeker? Sporty? Or into camping?
For a Wild Man how about a safari in real ‘man country’ surrounded by lion, leopard, elephant. Well, it worked for Prince William – apparently he proposed to Kate Mid in Kenya.
If you can’t propose here, where can you?If he’s a Thrill Seeker, take him kite surfing, scuba driving and windsurfing in the Maldives. Propose underwater during a scuba dive (check that sign language first) or do a James Bond/Bond Girl role play by emerging out of the waves in a bikini like Ursula Andress or Halle Berry. Just make sure you’ve both got some energy after all that activity.
Scuba diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing and … proposalsThere’s plenty of opportunity to chat on a road trip. Who knows what you’ll get talking about on one of the classic tours like Route 66 in the US, the Great Ocean Road in Australia or the Garden Route in South Africa. Just get behind the wheel and see what happens when you pull over!
Close to home, you could take a camping trip in the countryside in a quirky camper van. Warmer than a tent and more comfortable (vans have proper mattresses), you can go where the mood takes you. Companies offer hire in the UK and Europe.
You’ve time to organise something before the 29th February. Mind you, the engagement ring is another matter.
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