How To Propose To A Man In A Leap Year
2008 is a leap year so if you're waiting for your boyfriend to propose, take the opportunity to pop the question to him on February 29th.
-
What's special about leap-years?
-
When he heard St Bridget complaining about how long it took men to propose, St Patrick decreed that women could take matters into their own hands every February 29th, and propose themselves.
The tradition developed in Scotland, where the law said any man refusing an offer of marriage on Leap Day had to pay a fine ranging from a kiss to a new silk dress. So on the 29th, pop the question to as many men as possible, and get a whole new wardrobe by sunset.
-
Step 1:
-
Why hasn't HE done it?
-
For every 1 day when you can propose, there are around 1500 when he could have done. So why hasn't he?
As a lady proposing, you want to be really sure he'll say yes - so in a calm moment together, find out how he feels about marriage in general. Make sure this is good natured and easy going. If it turns into a "where is this relationship going?" kind of conversation, you risk stressing him out and scaring him off.
-
Step 2:
-
Look at it from his point of view
-
If he's not scared of marriage, have a long think about how he'll feel about YOU doing the proposing. He may want to marry you - but does he really want you to do the asking? Some men may take a proposal as the ultimate assault on their masculinity - so be sure your man is macho enough to handle a proposal.
-
Step 3:
-
Choose somewhere special
-
If you think he'll love you as a strong and modern woman, the next step is to choose a location that's important to the two of you as a couple. It could be anywhere.... the bed you share, your favourite bar, or the place you first met - This is a moment you'll remember for the rest of your life, so choose wisely.
-
Step 4:
-
With a ring?
-
If he was proposing to you, he'd have a ring. But if you go for a straight role reversal, it might make him feel a little, well, feminine.
So rather than going down on one knee with a ring, it may be better to go for a meaningful, well thought out gift he'll cherish.
-
Step 5:
-
Propose
-
Let him know you have something important to say so you've got his attention. You don't have to make your speech complicated. Just tell him what you love about him, why you think you are perfect for each other, and then ask him the question….
-
Step 6:
-
Listen
-
Now you've popped the question, zip it! Let him digest the information.
When he does say something, it might not be as simple as 'yes' or 'no'. The whole idea may have knocked him for six. He may need time to think about it...
With any proposal there's a chance your partner will say no. Make sure you're ready to deal with this - and if you can, have an exit strategy planned.
Be brave, - and whether it's good or bad news, you will know exactly where you stand.