Will you..... be my husband?!

No. I'm not asking The Boy to marry me.

However, just recently, I have seen an immense amount of column inches on women proposing.

I was in Boots the other day, and overheard two women gassing about their girlfriend who is engaged! "How exciting", one said to the other. "Did she buy him the ring then?", my ears pricked. Did I hear what I just thought I heard? "Yes, with a diamond in!", they giggled. I must admit, I sniggered a little. I had a vision of this poor guy, wearing quite possibly her dream ring, from Tiffany or De Beers. Sitting pretty amongst manly finger hair and a dirty, chewed nail.

It sparked a debate in my head. Was it right? What did it mean? Was I living in Victorian times? It's all just quite frankly fascinating.

Firstly, let's just see here. 10% of women propose. HS Samuel have started a "Male Engagement Collection". Gone is the day of waiting. Why, women can now decide when the time is right. Get down on one knee and urm.... Ask their boyfriend to be their husband.

Something about it seems odd to me. I'm all for women acting on instinct, love and knowing they want one more than another.

Call me old fashioned, but as a woman, if you're engaged, it must be the most wonderful thing ever to be proud of your ring (no matter what the budget), proud your boyfriend bought it just for you, as a token of his love. Wouldn't you feel almost disappointed about not having an engagement ring? Call me shallow, but I'm not sure all the women out there who do propose, feel happy about not having an engagement ring too.

I'm not buying this "Men love diamonds too" bollocks. If I was going to propose, and I had to buy a ring, it wouldn't be all blingy. Partly because he'd get his mates ripping the piss out of him for having a 'lady ring'.

My view on this is:

This has been seen as an untapped market to make money. What if the bloke in question has actually been planning his big engagement idea for yonks, just to have his thunder stolen? What if he doesn't want to get married, but you do? What if it makes him feel inadequate, or even his male mojo has been flushed away?

I believe, in you're both in love, and non of this crap bothers either of you in the slightest, no feelings are hurt, no materialistic-ness gets in the way, then fabulous. But, I'm not sure everyone of these is.

I also believe, if we are changing with the times, BOTH partners should have an engagement ring. Why should anyone be left out? It only makes two people just as proud and appreciative. It's not about spending oodles of money either, by the way (although, if you have it...).

What do you think? Have you proposed to your man? Do you think it's all a money making scheme? Are you a bloke who just thinks your moment will be ruined or you would have proposed if you wanted to get married and you would feel forced? Whatever your view, I want to know, as I'm intrigued!

Love,

Cake Girl xxx