Tough act to live up to
Over the weekend, I saw a video of a marriage proposal put together by a very romantic young man for his soon-to-be affianced girlfriend. In the video, he led her along a path filled with people. As the couple approached, each person or group of people turned around and lip-synced the words to a song that was emitting from an iPod carried by the young suitor.
As the lip-dub continued, the young girl became more and more excited, jumping and squealing in delight on several occasions. Viewers got the impression that certain peoples’ participation was more of a surprise for her than others.
Their stroll continued to the beach, where notes in the sand told the girl of all the things her fellow wanted her to know that he loved about her. The notes led her to a video screen, where additional people in her life (presumably those who couldn’t make it to the live version) talked about how happy this relationship seemed to make the young girl.
Finally, a child on the video told her to turn around, and there was the boyfriend, on one knee, ring in hand, asking her to be his wife. She said yes, and the entire crowd of helpers cheered as the girl cried, laughed and hugged everyone in sight. It was really a nice moment.
I couldn’t help but think, however, why did that guy set his bar so high? I mean, just think about the poor guy trying to top that scene for an anniversary or Christmas gift. Can you imagine the letdown this girl might feel when she receives a vacuum cleaner or blender the first time? No big production, no scripted plan, just a box with a bow under the tree. Even if he goes appliance-free and buys jewelry, this guy could be in big trouble. And God forbid he ever forgets the day completely!
Perhaps much better off is the German couple who were returning from their recent honeymoon when he left her at a gas station and drove away without realizing it. According to the Associated Press, the new bride was sleeping in the back seat of the car when the groom stopped for gas. Unbeknownst to him, she exited the car to use the bathroom, and upon completion of his transaction, he got into the car and left.
That could have happened to anyone, right? Perhaps. But it took him over two hours to notice that she was missing. The article said the wife was patiently waiting upon his return. Nice lady.
This man may have it made, though. If he ever buys a lousy gift, his very forgiving wife will probably remind herself of the half day she spent alone at a gas station on her honeymoon and give him credit for remembering her at all.
My own dear husband split the difference between these two extremes. He surprised me with a ring, but his proposal was far less a production than the lip-dub romantic’s. My husband simply – and privately – asked, “So, will you marry me, or what?”
It has been nearly 10 years since I said yes, and I am still glad I did. And (thankfully) on most days, I think my husband is, too.
Laura Zoeller can be reached at zoeller5@hughes.net.