Proposals are usually romantic and filled with love and joy but when it's forced, it ruins the authenticity. Forced proposals, in my opinion, will lead to a divorce or unhappy marriage if one partner is not completely ready. While I'm definitely a fan of feminist movements and that women can do anything a man can do, I personally won't be getting down on one knee to propose. Some women are in a rush to get married and take it to themselves to go ahead and ask for a ring, but that defeats the whole purpose of the tradition.
Here are a few reasons why you won't see me insisting on a ring:
It takes away from the surprise (and excitement) of a surprise proposal
I wouldn't even want to get married without a proposal. I feel like, what's the point if I won't get swept off my feet? I would want to be surprised when my significant other gets down on one knee with a ring. I don't want to be expecting a moment like that, I would want it to be spontaneous and natural.
I want them to be (a little) nervous
Maybe I just like to play “hard to get," but I want my future fiancé to question whether I'll say yes before popping the question. What's worth having if you don't have to put in the effort? I want there to be a question and an answer, not an obligation.
Asking for a proposal puts pressure on your significant other to commit when they may not be ready yet
So many couples get married way too early because the girl wants a shiny ring to impress her friends, but perfection can't be rushed. If you have to send threats like "if you don't propose to me we're breaking up" or insinuate that you won't be happy until you get a ring, you should probably end that relationship immediately. If all you're seeking is an engagement ring, then you don't want a life long commitment, you just want to show off with a huge party and be the first of your friends to get an engagement ring. No one should get married in fear that they will be abandoned if they don't comply with their girlfriend's relentless requests.
And most of all, screw society (and the diamond industry) for cramming weddings down women’s throats.
Let's face it- nowadays so many people want a wedding (not a marriage.) This is in part because of the glorification of a huge party filled with glamour and dancing, but the reality is that it's a lifetime commitment (or supposed to be.) A lot of people are attracted to impressing their friends with a beautiful ring and an elegant wedding, and it can get easy to forget about the non-materialistic aspects of getting married.
Sexist Target Marketing
Tiffany & Co - "Give Voice to Your Heart"
As a 20-something female who has been in a relationship for a few years, I get it the worst with targeted advertising. They advertise engagement rings and venues as a way to rush the process. They want people to be attracted to the elegance of a shiny new engagement ring, without thinking about the actual life-long commitment. These companies only choose to target women because they know they are the ones putting pressure on a man to pop the question.
Although I don't plan on getting married any time too soon, I won't let my potential eagerness rush my relationships (or ruin the romance). I want an old school traditional proposal with flowers in a romantic location, or I don't want a proposal at all.
