Is it socially acceptable for a woman to propose marriage to a man?

1. 80

   dashingscorpioposted 13 years ago

   Is it socially acceptable for a woman to propose marriage to a man?
   
   Even with all the gains women have made in terms of equality many of them view being “proactive” as being “desperate” when it comes to approaching men for dates, a dance, and especially marriage. According to many articles there are lots of women who want to get married but won’t propose. Is it a matter of pride or fear of rejection?
   It’s 2011. Do you see this mindset ever changing?
   
   
   

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2. 62

   prettydarkhorseposted 13 years ago

   No, In my own opinion,  I will wait for the man to propose to me. I think though that most women are more vocal now and there is increasing trend of that scenario.

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3. 59

   nightwork4posted 13 years ago

   i'm not sure if on average it is socially acceptable or the norm but i have no problem with it.

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4. 62

   Ashantinaposted 13 years ago

   I think as a woman its ok to let your man know 'where you are' in terms of your desire to get married. But I feel the guy should always propose.. I guess I'm 'old-fashioned'..

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5. 66

   Smaridge01posted 13 years ago

   I suspect we are a few more generations away from women feeling at ease with initiating a proposal. I think it's fine myself, but I think there are still a lot of older women, the 'authority figures' in the lives of many young women, who still believe the man should initiate the proposal.

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6. 0

   Edliraposted 13 years ago

   In my opinion it is totally acceptable. How often that happens that's a different matter. It is hard to break stereotypes and go against the stream, but I think depends on the individuals. I would like and hope to see it happen more often.

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7. 69

   xixi12posted 13 years ago

   Call me old-fashioned, but I think the man should do the wooing. Women fall in love easily and think with their heart. When a man proposes it means he has thought it through in his head and is truly ready for a commitment.

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8. 64

   wingedcentaurposted 13 years ago

   This is an interesting question, dashingscorpio. I can tell from the responses that this straightforward question -- like most worthwhile questions -- does not have a straightforward or easy answer.
   
   I would be very interested to know why, those respondents who think of themselves as traditionalists, hold the belief that it is the man who should do the proposing. Perhaps the very picture you chose put some people off, if you don't mind my saying so -- it looks rather awkward, the two in it are clearly actors; it somehow "rings false," I think.
   
   First of all I think it is fine for a woman to propose -- I find the idea rather alluring for some reason.
   
   I think the vestiges of a taboo that surrounds (a woman proposing to a man) has something to do with traditional gender expectations (which are still very strongly operative) as to who will/should be the "bread winner," the "provider" and so forth. The proposal of marriage, then, feels (to most people) like the act of the person who means to take on a specific, proactive role in certain dimensions of the relationship. Of course, I could be wrong. Just a thought.
   
   Take it easy.

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9. 52

   skivviesposted 13 years ago

   It's acceptable; but of course, it depends on the specific man and woman. Some men are comfortable being proposed to, it takes a weight off their shoulders. But some men want to be the proposee, and make it a fun and romantic event for their girlfriend.

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10. 61

    Sackingerposted 13 years ago

    Social acceptability is past tense.  If you don't pick your nose in public or pee in the corner or hurt someone it's socially acceptable.  Women asking isn't my business unless it's me asking  and I haven't.

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11. 69

    ugagirl66posted 13 years ago

    Absolutely. Women have fought a long time to be considered the equal or partner of man. Why would you draw the lines at proposing marriage? Sometimes, they may be unsure of your reaction. Do you really want to guess at whether he would want to marry you? Pop the question and find out! You will walk away happy and ready for the next step in your life. OR you will have the answer that you longed for and can make a decision to move on. Either way, no more wondering, no more stress.

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12. 60

    DiamondMaxposted 13 years ago

    From around the water cooler at Max's Price Guides:
    
    "Men are simple creatures: a man wants  food, affection, and to be the "manly hero" in the eyes of their mate.    Allowing the man to propose permits him to be the 'manly hero' rescuing the damsel in distress from a life of poverty (yes, deep down he wants to be the hero breadwinner) and insecurity (yes, deep down he wants to be the family protector).  If the women proposes, it takes the 'manly hero' role away from the man."
    
    "The person with the least interest in the relationship will control it. If the woman proposes marriage in a culture where the man usually proposes, then this may just tip that balance of power unfavorably to the man."
    
    "The right guy will be on a knee, with a ring (yes, a diamond ring!), asking, and it won't be a surprise. If you have to ask, you have the wrong guy!"
    
    So think twice before asking him!
    
    (And do help him out by sending him a link to diamondpricebluebook.com so he doesn't overpay for the diamond in that ring!)
    
    Max

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13. 66

    Autumn Lynnposted 13 years ago

    In theory I think it is fine for a women to propose. If a couple told me the story of their engagment and the women had proposed I would think nothing of it. However, I can not picture myself ever doing so and I am not 100% sure I know why. It has me thinking...

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14. 62

    Kommoonposted 13 years ago

    It's acceptable, but I am not confident enough to do so

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15. 61

    Suzanne Levacposted 13 years ago

    Well I also think that it is totally acceptable for a woman to propose but socially we have a long way to go still. Fear of rejection? I don't think so, I think it is more a question of tradition and also it does feel more romantic (in my eyes) if the man propose to his woman and even so if it is at the perfect magical moment and place. But I can see lots of controversy on this subject. In the end what matters is that the couple is happy being together!

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16. 53

    crazychick101posted 13 years ago

    absolutly....women have the same rights as men...yes...it might be a little weird...but only because everyone is so used to a male proposing to the female:)

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17. 60

    shabbirkhiposted 13 years ago

    I think socially acceptable because man and women both are free to choose and take a decision for his life on the other hand This is a personal choice or events does not effects if socially acceptable or not

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18. 70

    Klenaposted 13 years ago

    I think it's completely personal depending on your relationship! I'll admit that the stereotype means that it does make people hesitant.
    
    Fundamentally, a proposal is a deeply personal experience between two people who love each other and who want to spend their lives together. So I think it is acceptable

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    Jack Holmesposted 13 years ago

    I think that these days there are no barriers in terms of social etiquette. Pretty much anything goes but I doubt that it happens very often because I think that women like to be asked, I think that if they had to ask it somehow wouldn't be the same. From my experience women have an uncanny ability to get what they want anyway so if they want to get married they will find a way to get the man to propose!

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20. 79

    arizonataylorposted 13 years ago

    Why wouldn't it be okay?  I say that it is absolutely fine, without question.

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21. 60

    Dawn Tateposted 13 years ago

    My own personal choice would be to have the man ask me because it would create a sense of well-being, almost like everything in my world just fell into place the moment I was asked.  I value that.  (Ok, now, saying "yes" to the offer of marriage is an entirely different question so I won't go there).
    
    Now, if the "right" person is asking, I feel that in a lot of "traditional" ways, it would help me understand that I am a partner, not merely someone who has been chosen to cook, clean, and pop out a few kids while he does his own thing with little or no regard to our commitment.  Tradition means a lot to me and I think it's endearing that a man would propose, not stereotypical at all.  I have no problem with women who chose to propose first.  It just simply wasn't my own personal choice because, let's face it, I hate rejection.

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22. 56

    Kamran100posted 13 years ago

    i think its is acceptable if both love each other..than my be its reasonable.

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