It’s official; 2016 is a leap year, which means that it has 366 days instead of the usual 365 days that an ordinary year has.
The extra day is added to the month of February - and February 29th is the traditional day that women propose to men.
What's the history behind the traditional Leap Year proposal?
It stems from a fifth century Irish legend which saw a nun called St Brigid of Kildare making a plea to St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, to grant his permission for women to propose marriage to their menfolk who were too, ahem, shy, to do it themselves (of course this may have been because they just didn’t want to…).
As a compromise, he told her that women could from then on propose on the leap year. And it seems as if a LOT of women decided to take him up on the offer.
In fact, a law was passed in 13th century Scotland that decreed that any man refusing a proposal on the leap year must pay a fine. This could range from a kiss, right through to a silk dress or, most commonly, a pair of gloves.
Have any female celebrities popped the question?
Nowadays, women can propose on any day of the year - and plenty of strong celeb women have decided to take matters into their own hands. Jo Mas popped the question to Danny Dyer last year, and punk popstar Pink proposed to motocross star Corey Hart by holding up a sign saying ‘Will You Marry Me?’ as he was about to embark on a race.
Over the centuries, as men and women have become more enlightened, and more equal (with role ‘swaps’ such as working mums, and stay at home dads), the idea that women in a strong relationship can take charge of the proposal should be a positive one.
But is it actually the case?
Social dating app TrueView to find out whether men and women are still (ahem!) wedded to tradition - and the results were surprising.
Because, while 31% of men actively disliked the idea of a woman proposing to them (they felt it wasn’t ‘traditional’), there were PLENTY of men who were up for the idea of their lady getting down on one knee.
It’s a similar story when it comes to dating; 86% of men are happier to let women take control, admitting they would love it if a lady asked them out on a date! And 80% of women would be just fine with that.
“It looks as if equality is definitely alive and well when it comes to the dating arena,” says TrueView founder Matt Verity, “which is great; men love to be asked out, and women clearly like doing it too!”
Speaking about the 31% of men who hate the idea of their girlfriend popping the question, he added: “Maybe there’s still a little way to go before men – and women – are comfortable with the woman being the one proposing marriage.
“Perhaps by the next leap year after this, who knows, things might have moved forward a little…”
Before you even THINK about proposing on 29th February, you need to ask yourself the following questions:
You need to make sure that every single answer is a yes before popping the question.
Otherwise, try using this Leap Year to discuss your future together; that way, you can decide whether or not marriage is truly on the cards.
Would you propose to your partner?
Let us know via Facebook or Twitter (@CloserOnline).