The long-held tradition that women can propose to their boyfriends on a Leap Year dates back to the fifth century – and research released today shows that one in three women would consider following this custom and ask their boyfriend to marry them on 29 February.
Relationships on Female First
Commissioned by Sandals Resorts, the Luxury Included Caribbean hotel company, the survey showed that the 20 per cent of women who say they are scared of being rejected need not fear as, instead of running for the hills after a proposal from their loved one, 40 per cent of men would be more than happy to accept and two thirds would not find it embarrassing to have the tables turned in this way.
Reassuringly only 5 per cent of men would say no to a proposal because their girlfriend is not ‘The One’.
Professor of Psychology and Relationship Expert, Geoffrey Beattie said: “This new research by Sandals Resorts shows that the Leap Year tradition of women taking the initiative in proposals of marriage is now chiming with the underlying attitudes of people in the U.K. today. More and more women (and men) seem happy with the idea that it is perfectly acceptable for women to pop the question. This seems to reflect a more egalitarian society in terms of relationships and dating, with women no longer prepared to play second fiddle, and taking the initiative whenever it is necessary. Given that marriage is a key milestone in many people's lives it is refreshing to see that things are changing. ”
The survey of 2,000 respondents also revealed that couples are most likely to share news of their engagement with their mothers before anyone else. And three quarters of people would want to tell their loved ones before broadcasting the news via social media.
Although the ring is still the most important part of the perfect engagement, the survey revealed that location of the proposal is also very significant, and the Caribbean is the most desired backdrop. More than a third of couples are hoping to have a destination wedding and honeymoon in the Caribbean too.
tagged in relationships Leap Year