What Would Rob Do to Propose? Not embarrass her

Click above to listen to the podcast I did with Tamara Keith on how to propose. In talking with Tamara, I incorporated Brakkton Booker's story about proposing to his fiance Cory. As for my own proposal story, it didn't have all the bells and whistles that Brakkton's had, but hopefully matched it in the romance department. It was a cloudy afternoon and raining slightly when I took Anna for a walk around the park where I used to play baseball growing up. We wound up finding shelter in the dugout looking out onto the field. I looked into her eyes, told her about all the reasons we were meant to be together, and then popped the question there. Four years and one daughter later, we're still going strong.

For a broader perspective on popping the question, Millie Bratten of Brides magazine turned out to be very helpful. She told me there's really no wrong way of asking. If the girl says yes, then you've pretty much done your job. She also stressed that each experience has to work for both of you. So if you're a goofy couple, you can go the goofy route, i.e. hide it in her drink, or do skywriting or something. Bratten said pretty much the only way you can go wrong is to embarrass her. Like how this guy did:

So hopefully your proposal doesn't end up like that. For some happier endings the everything-wedding website The Knot rates its top proposals of the year. Here's the 2007 list.

One last thought. Millie Bratten mentioned that should you happen to see a proposal that outdoes yours, don't worry because you can always have another chance to do it all over when you recommit yourself down the road. Tamara warns though this usually involves upping the ante in the jewelry department.

12:00 PM ET | 12- 8-2008 | permalink

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