Not all marriage proposals are magical moments. Some lead to tough conversations, hurt feelings, and even breakups.
Perhaps you were 22 and had only been dating your partner for nine months. When they got down on one knee at dinner, you had a sinking feeling in your gut. Though everyone in the restaurant was staring at you with wide eyes, you quietly told your partner no. You felt like it was too soon, and you were too young to get married. They were so devastated that they ended the relationship a week later. You eventually got engaged to the love of your life when you were 34.
Maybe you'd always told your boyfriend you hated big, public proposals. Yet when it came time for him to ask you to marry him, he opted for a very flashy, large, public proposal in front of all your friends and family. You felt extremely uncomfortable with the whole thing, and as he got down on one knee, you realized that he never really listened to you or respected your wishes. You told him no and made the difficult decision to end the relationship. It was super awkward and devastating, but you know you made the right choice.
Or, perhaps when your partner proposed to you after a year and a half of dating, you told him you loved him, but you weren't ready for marriage. He respected your decision, and you two stayed together. He proposed again two years later, and you said yes! You've been happily married for six years now.
