I didn't go the traditional route, and no, my wife didn't propose to me. It became evident, after months of dating, that we were going to get married. We both realized it, and we were both ready for it. I took her to the jeweler to select the ring she wanted, rather than risk buying something that she wouldn't care for, something that's always plagued me to this day. So there was never a formal proposal, just a mutual understanding.

I've often wondered, though, whether that isn't the way it should be. If a woman is surprised by her boyfriend's proposal, or if he's not absolutely sure of her response, isn't there something lacking in their relationship? Perhaps they don't know each other as well as they think they do?

I recall watching a news report about a guy who proposed in the middle of a basketball court during halftime, and the woman refused him! I wanted to cheer for that woman, for not caving in to the pressure of the moment and speaking from her heart. If he could put her into that kind of position, under pressure in front of thousands of strangers, what else might he be capable of?

Boy, I can really tear apart a romantic moment, can't I?