I Should Have Waited…
Today is February 29th. Also known as Leap Day. Today happens once every four years, everyone knows that. Duh. I did not know Laura the last time a leap year occurred and that’s weird to think about. You know what’s not weird to think about? This:
‘According to an old Irish legend, or possibly history, St Bridget struck a deal with St Patrick to allow women to propose to men – and not just the other way around – every 4 years. This is believed to have been introduced to balance the traditional roles of men and women in a similar way to how Leap Day balances the calendar.
In some places, Leap Day has been known as “Bachelors’ Day” for the same reason. A man was expected to pay a penalty, such as a gown or money, if he refused a marriage proposal from a woman on Leap Day. In many European countries, especially in the upper classes of society, tradition dictates that any man who refuses a woman’s proposal on February 29 has to buy her 12 pairs of gloves. The intention is that the woman can wear the gloves to hide the embarrassment of not having an engagement ring. During the middle ages there were laws governing this tradition.’
Think about it. If guys all over the world could just keep their relationship in a holding pattern until Leap Year two things could potentially happen.
1. Dudes could save themselves from a lack of creativity during a proposal (i.e. at a sporting event on the jumbo screen) likely resulting in a ‘no,’ thus resulting in public humiliation, by having the woman propose.
2. Worst case scenario, dudes would only be out the cost of a gown or one dozen gloves. I could live with that, as long as they weren’t Isotoners.
I say all of this in jest of course (or do I?). I actually am a big believer in guys pursuing and proposing to the women they love. Guys, be smart. Make sure she won’t say no before you embarrass yourself. Don’t put your woman in a situation where she would have to make a hard decision…like what size gloves she should buy you.
Happy Leap Year Day! (that is really awkward to say)
Bryan
