Since before many of us women can remember, the fairy tale ending has always been the man on one knee, asking for the woman’s hand in marriage. But fast-forward to present time, and you have everyone from Sex and the City’s Miranda popping the question to her man Steve, to Chrissy Lampkin, of VH1’s Love & Hip Hop proposing to her non-committal, rapper boyfriend, Jim Jones. It’s no longer shunned the way it used to be. Now that we’re well into the new millennium, women have become much more direct and are going after what they want like never before.
The idea that the man is supposed to be the pursuer goes back centuries, but it feels like the tides have finally turned. No longer do women wait to be asked out, expect the check to be paid for, or hold their breath for the initial phone call after exchanging numbers. Women are becoming more and more independent every day, to the point where getting down on one knee is not as far-fetched as it once seemed.
There are a few things that can help you gear up to step outside of tradition and pop the big question to your man. Now, these won’t guarantee you a yes, but they will most definitely nudge him in the right direction:
1.Ask Him In A Private Setting
While it may seem very forward thinking and new-age, your soon to be hubby may not exactly think the same way in a room full of others. Since it is still widely believed that the man should be the one pulling out the ring to pop the big question, you don’t want to hurt your chances by potentially embarrassing him in a big room full of strangers or even family for that matter. Keep it private and make it a special moment for just to two of you.
2.Keep Him In Mind
While you might be shaking in your boots, it’s important to make sure the proposal is thoughtful and he is able to easily see that you placed some thought into how you’re asking one of the most important questions of both of your lives. If he’s into football, do it after his favorite team just won or if he’s a huge car enthusiast, rent a classic car and ride down he coast with a proposal waiting at your final destination. Make it special!
3.Keep It Light
You will probably already be very nervous and anxious, just as he would be if he were the one preparing such a monumental moment, but remember, it’s all in the name of love. If your relationship is in a place where you think it’s time to get down on one knee, then he will most likely say yes right away. You can even add some humor in there somehow, just to lighten the mood. This way he won’t feel too much pressure, seeing as will likely already be shocked that you’re the one proposing to him.
I say, if you want something…go for it! Don’t worry about what people have to say or what is perceived to be “right” or “wrong.” If you want to be someone’s wife and they aren’t making the first move to make it happen, take matters into your own hands…it might even turn him on! Besides, there’s nothing more attractive than a woman who knows what she wants!
