Q&A: Proposing on your Knee

Q:  Hello Ralph, so something has been bothering me for a while and I wanted to get your opinion on the matter. What do you think about getting down on one knee to propose to a girl? Is it important? And do you think a girl can reject a proposal simply because you didn't kneel down to do it and she is very interested in seeing you do that. Please discuss...



A: Hello Sir, Well I guess it depends on the girl. I believe that there are people out there that attach so much value in that for their own reasons. Either because it shows that the man is gentle and she feels safe, it shows that he isn't the proud time or simply because she like to see a man on his knees and submitted to her. Everybody has their own reasons so it generally depends on who each person is with in the relationship and the understanding they have. I personally believe that the gesture shows the woman that it is her choice to accept or refuse. I think that's why it is called "asking her hand in marriage". I think it's because you are asking her to be with you for the rest of her life. But I also believe that there are people who would walk out on you for not getting down on one knee, it all depends on what they attach value to. You have to learn the person you are with to know what she can take or not take.

There are different couples out there and I have seen a couple of people who never got down on their knees to do a proposal and everything was absolutely fine. Although you should be careful with those that actually want it like that and when you end up not doing it, they decide to swallow it and take the ring. I doubt they will let you forget that any time soon, especially if another person kneels to propose around the both of you. Anyway, I don't think too much value should be attached to this particular gesture but it's just my own opinion, I don't see it as important. I believe that as long as it's from the heart, you already have everything that's important. You can do the proposal in the best way you know possible. At the same time I guess you have to do something to impress the lady, it would help give her something to remember in the future.

People have come up with different ways of proposing these days that doesn't require you getting on bended knees and yet the new methods are just as romantic if not much better. You can meet halfway if you don't want to kneel down by doing something very creative that you know she would like and not getting down on your knees at the same time.

Finally I just want to say that I keep picturing a really short man. He walks into a restaurant for dinner and he wants to propose that night. The table is high so when he seats only an inch below his neck can be seen. The time reaches for him to propose and from across the table he attempts to kneel down and as he goes down on his knees, he disappears under the table. His fiance to-be leans forward wondering what he is doing under there and his hand alone appears from across the table with his whole body still invisible. In his fingers, he is holding a wedding ring. Then from under the table a muffled sound his heard but the woman can make it out as "Baby, will you marry me". Lol