April 22, 2009

Never Accept a Mass Public Proposal

I just got wind of this story this morning and thought I'd write about it since it's a topic I feel passionate about. A T.V. news reporter in Little Rock Arkansas proposed to his anchor girlfriend on camera during a news cast. It was very awkward for me just to listen to him speak. Here's the video if you're interested.



Quite honestly my mother never specifically taught me this, but she did teach me values and help me develop independent thought that led me to my personal set of values that developed my opinion on this topic. I know that many of you think a public proposal such as this or at a professional sporting event is so romantic, but that's your narcissistic side coming though. This is one subject you should suppress your desire to be the center of attention. That's what the wedding is for.

First of all this is a very private decision and a very private moment. It should be special to the two of you. I'm not a huge fan of restaurant proposals either but this is a much more intimate setting than a ball game or on the evening news. And a restaurant may represent a special memory for the two of you, so when I say public, I mean when thousands and thousands of people or more are FORCED to witness your proposal. The only choice they have in not witnessing it is if they happen to be in the bathroom at the time or to change the channel. But the train has started wrecking at this point and you can't change the channel in the off chance that she will turn him down. As she should every time but rarely does. Thousands of people should never be forced to be a part of such a special moment.

It's a sign of weakness and insecurity. Is he so unsure of her answer that he needs the support of thousands of strangers to convince or perhaps guilt her into saying yes? How is he going to feel if she turns him down? Awkward...This is a big red flag in my book. I think it's a red flag to a guy if his girlfriend wants a very public proposal. It goes both ways for the red flags. If my husband had done that to me, it would have been a signal to me that he really didn't know me at all.

Quite honestly I'm not even a fan of a proposal in front of the family but I realize that each family dynamic is different so I'm not even talking about that for the purpose of this post.

This is just my opinion and I'm prepared for the opposing opinions. You have a right to your opinion and I have the right to turn down anyone that proposes to me in the company of a large crowd.

16 comments:

Jan said...

These have always made me uncomfortable too. And then idiots watching are all Awww, how romantic.

I thought it was just me.

Amber Sunshine said...

You are not along...but I always think there are only a few of us that feel this way...it's time we all find each other and speak out against this awkwardness!!! :)

Unknown said...

I always imagine that the woman is horrified. Men, DON'T DO THIS TO THE WOMEN YOU LOVE!!!!

Brian Dixon said...

This reminds me of Monsters vs. Aliens, which begins with a guy proposing to his girl on TV. Which does he turn out to be: a prince or a jerk? I won't spoil it.

Karoline said...

I agree with you. I was actually hoping one of these days when I'm forced to witness something as cheesy as this that the person being proposed to will say no. But that's just me being mean.

I think it's a very private moment between a couple. That way you don't feel pressured in saying yes to entrapment. Er I mean marriage. :P

cube said...

I think guys who do this sort of thing gravitate towards women who like this sort of thing and vice versa.

I am in the latter group.

BooNMiNG said...

hahaha...

i think it's okay as long as they are okay with it...

i think as a news reporter that lady has surely accepted it very well !! :)

anyway it's their story and they like it.. how sweet!!

Amber Sunshine said...

see but how many times is the response a "Yes" and before the wedding takes place they break up?? What if she's completely humiliated and dumps him?? i would...
I agree it's a free country and to each their own...but that won't keep me from cringing and feeling awkward for both of them...and it won't keep me from wishing they keep it to themselves...
and I think cube is right that they tend to gravitate towards each other...

Anonymous said...

I had a boyfriend propose to me in a restaurant and I said yes just because I didn't want to make a scene in public. If we had been alone, I would've said no. Later I gave him back the ring. I still wonder what might have been, but I have no regrets.

Pamela Foreman said...

I would be so embarrassed! I wouldn't want that done to me. My now DH proposed to me at my house with only my mom present to take photos.

Thanks for sharing it though, I wrote about it on my blog too! http://theforemanfamily.com/randomthoughtsbypam/?p=539

Samuel M. said...

Well, from another point of view it is news since she's a public figure.

Kimberly said...

Excellent point! I've always hated this - so humiliating to the proposee.

I agree that it could be insecurity - she's far likely to say "no" in front of thousands of people, but who would want to marry a woman who was guilted into it? I'd rather have no doubts.

devianty said...

so nice to visiting u was here blogwalking

R said...

cheesy

and things probably getting worse if he also read poems or serenade her

restaurant is ok for me
as long as he didn't book the whole restaurant to propose or stand up and declared that he's going to propose (-_-);

ashlie said...

I was terrified of a public proposal. It is supposed to be intimate!?! My husband proposed in a quiet lovely restaurant, still public, but I'd had enough wine not to care...

Amber Sunshine said...

a quiet lovely restaurant isn't so bad...it can still be an intimate experience...and yeah I bet a little extra wine helps...that poor anchor didn't get the luxury i'm sure...shame on her fiance :)