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You’ve spent weeks planning the perfect proposal and meticulously selecting the ideal engagement ring. You’ve rehearsed your heartfelt speech, doing your best to channel your inner rom-com hero. But then, a nagging question creeps in: Is there a particular knee you should kneel on?
Fear not, fellow romantics! We’re here to unravel the mystery.
When you’re deeply in love and eager to propose, time is of the essence. So, let’s cut to the chase — if you prefer tradition, propose on your left knee.
Position your left leg on the ground, with your right knee bent at a 90-degree angle in front of you. Once in position, hold the ring or ring box in your left hand and open it using your right hand as you pose the all-important question.
However, nothing bad will happen if you kneel on your right knee instead. Your partner likely won’t even notice which knee you’ve chosen. They’ll probably be too busy answering your question and admiring their new engagement ring to critique your position.
Also, nearly 90% of the global population is right-side dominant. Kneeling on the right knee feels more natural and comfortable for most.
Why do marriage proposals typically involve getting down on one knee?
The explanation is simple. When you kneel, you position yourself beneath the other person, assuming a vulnerable stance. The gesture conveys humility, devotion, submission, and reverence. By adopting this posture, you express your readiness to prioritize your partner’s needs over your own, the ultimate act of love and dedication.
Kneeling in reverence dates back to Medieval times. Knights knelt in various situations — during religious services and battles (as a sign of surrender) or before lords and noblewomen — to express faith, honor, and admiration.
The left knee became associated with kneeling and later proposing because, since most people are right-handed, kneeling on the left side was more challenging. The somewhat awkward position symbolized a willingness to be loyal and surrender, even in discomfort.
Unfortunately, the specific link to marriage proposals isn’t clear. Some trace the link to the 19th century, but proposing on one knee only became popular about 50 years ago. There’s a good chance the Baby Boomers were the first to get down on their knee to propose.
If you’ve always envisioned yourself proposing on one knee, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to tradition. However, there’s no need to follow a practice that doesn’t resonate with you, either.
Here are eight marriage proposal ideas that break from the traditional one-knee approach:
Keep things simple by popping the question while seated next to your partner — in the car, on a couch, on a park bench, or any other spot that feels right.
Stand atop a mountain or in front of a breathtaking view while you ask the question.
Give your partner a delightful morning surprise by slipping the ring on their finger before they wake up.
Discuss marriage, go shopping for engagement rings, and set aside time to share why you want to spend your life together.
Place a “Will you marry me?” sign around your pet’s neck before asking for your partner’s hand.
Create a sentimental photo album with pictures, souvenirs, and drawings of your love story. On the last page, write, “Will you marry me?” Then, present the engagement ring.
Take your partner on a scavenger hunt through meaningful locations, like the restaurant where you shared your first date. At the final stop, they receive their prize: the engagement ring.
Make your proposal playful by creating a personalized puzzle or bespoke board game. By the end, your partner will understand exactly what you’re asking.
Although more and more people are deviating from proposal norms, the kneeling tradition is alive and well. A study of a thousand married men found that 71% of grooms got down on one knee when popping the question. Other studies have found that up to 87% of men adopted a kneeling position while proposing.
There’s no right or wrong answer. While tradition leans toward the left knee, there’s no strict rule declaring it the “proper way.” Feel free to kneel on the knee that feels most comfortable, or if kneeling isn’t your style, skip it altogether.
As long as it feels good, propose while standing up. To create a special moment, take a peaceful walk with your partner or explore a scenic viewpoint before presenting the ring.
Stay in the kneeling position until your partner says yes. Once you get the go-ahead, stand up and slide the engagement ring onto your partner’s hand (remember: left ring finger!).
Now that we’re on the same page about crafting the perfect proposal down to the last detail, it’s time to start thinking about other aspects of your engagement. Check out our guide on what to do after you get engaged to begin the wedding planning process.
