Originally Posted by onodrim

I agree that the whole "waiting excitedly for it to happen" thing is silly. If you've reached a point in your relationship where marriage is a definite option, then there shouldn't have to be any element of surprise or uncertainty at all. Sure, you can have an "official" proposal, but it shouldn't have to be such a big deal. It can be a simple verbal confirmation between two people in which case it doesn't matter who starts the initial conversation. Also, the whole thing with the ring is also overdone. Either both people should have a ring, or none at all really. Why should only the one getting asked be a ring, and why should a man feel he needs to spend a year's salary on a piece of jewelry? Save the money and the symbolism for the actual marriage.