I believe that although romantic proposals and whirlwind relationships are fun and exciting, they may not necessarily be realistic. As I read, the article gave me a different point of perspective when considering engagement and the roles of gender in marriage and in life. I believe females are sometimes stereotyped as waiting for their boyfriends to propose because they just want to plan a wedding, that they only care about getting the ring. I believe males are sometimes stereotyped as commitment-phobes, afraid to propose and give up their single life. Maybe it is true in some cases, but certainly not all. I think if their is true love between each person in the relationship, the how you get engaged shouldn't matter. It is about who you're getting married to. When reflecting back on my parents' engagement, it was casual and thoughtful. There was no ring, no flowers, and no grand gesture. They simply decided that they loved each and wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. They could have gotten married in a dumpster and they would have been satisfied as long as they were together.