Friday, February 29, 2008 is Leap Day. According to legend, the twenty-ninth day of February is the one day, per year, when, in some cultures, a woman may ask her boyfriend for his hand in marriage. Proposing marriage, as a woman, however is not the easiest of tasks and many questions surround the decision.
 

      Am I rushing this? What if I’m ready and he’s not? Do I buy a ring or a watch; how do I approach this? All of these questions have been asked by prospective fiancée hopefuls, lately. Hopefully, by offering a few suggestions, I may help to make the day a little less hectic.
 

      Suggestion #1 – The #1 rule of all: know your man. How long have you dated? Is the chemistry there? If so, and you know his interests, the proposal may not be so difficult. For example, if he is a romantic at-heart (and most men, despite their macho appearance, are), you might consider buying candles, champagne, and fixing his favorite dessert for a nice, comfortable evening at home, in quiet, where he is comfortable spending time with you and you are comfortable, in your own element, prior to the proposal.
 

      Suggestion #2 – Perhaps, your man is adventurous or outgoing in public. In this case, make plans, ahead of time, to attend his favorite sporting event or go to an outdoors appearance, together. If you are shy, this may not be the perfect idea for a woman to propose, but the ultimate goal is a successful attempt, so if he is happy and you’re together, even in public, it’s worth a shot.
 

      Suggestion #3 – The best laid plans sometimes go awry, so always keep a Plan B in mind. Say that you made reservations at your boyfriend’s favorite Italian restaurant but an illness befell your sweetheart, earlier in the week, and now, he is too ill to attend. While asking such an important question may not be best suited when he is feeling poorly, keep your plans loose, so if your first attempt fails, you can quickly change it and be assured of not being discouraged.
 

      Suggestion #4 – If your boyfriend is a ham for excitement, consider a proposal that will best suit his needs. If he feels those scoreboard proposals are sweet, consider that as an option. If he is a lover of art, you may consider working out a deal with a museum curator to where a “Will You Marry Me?” sign is placed near his favorite piece of art, as you are attending.
 

      Suggestion #5 – Don’t forget the gift. Yes, engagement rings are generally more noted when given by the man to the women, as a promise for the future. A proposal expressed to a man should not go unnoticed or without a gift. Rings are an acceptable gift, but so are puppies, big screen TVs or any other gift, signifying your love, that speaks to the heart of your love’s longevity.
 

      Suggestion #6 – Since the trend always centers towards a man’s proposal, do not be surprised if your man is a little surprised when you ask. Give him a moment to compose himself, after you express the feelings that your heart simply cannot keep contained. He may be very surprised.
 

      If nerves become an issue and you decide that a Leap Day proposal is too soon, never fear. Since 2003, the incidence of the woman proposing marriage has been on the rise. In fact, according to a Korbel’s Proposal Survey of 1,000 adults, 59% said they did not feel men were the only ones who should propose; 33% said they knew a woman who had proposed; and half of the women surveyed said it would be suitable for them to pop the question. Therefore, if you decide, after this Friday, that proposing is for you, by all means, go ahead.
 

      Good luck and whether you decide to propose this week or wait until later, best wishes for a long and happy life for your special someone and yourself! 
 

© 2008 – Jill Eisnaugle.
 

All Rights Reserved
 

Jill Eisnaugle is the author of Coastal Whispers & Under Amber Skies.  Jill resides in Texas City, Texas with her family and pets.