In the west, marriage is usually proposed face to face. It is also customary to give an answer either right away or within a short period of time after the recipient has had time to contemplate the marriage proposal more carefully. But following this traditional path is not always possible. What are some reasons why some people propose marriage over the phone rather than face to face? Is proposing over the phone really that offensive?
Long Distance Relationship
One of the most common reasons why a person proposes marriage over the phone is due to the logistics of a long distance relationship. If you live thousands of miles apart from your partner, it will not be possible to get together regularly in person, which in turn will make it difficult to offer a marriage propose face to face. But even if you propose marriage over the phone, it is still wise to follow it up with a personal proposal when you do meet so that it can receive the official stamp that it deserves and to also give your partner a proper sense of being engaged.
Nerves
Marriage proposals are not only exciting, but they can also be extremely nerve racking, and more so for people who are naturally shy and nervous of proposing to their partner face to face. What if their partner refuses to marry them? Coping with rejection face to face is too much for some people to handle, which is why some choose to propose over the phone. While some recipients of phone proposals view this method of marriage proposals as tacky and in poor taste, others cannot help but test the water by building up to a phone proposal instead of dealing with nerves face to face with their partner.
Break with Tradition
Proposing over the phone is a unique way for some to move their relationship on towards marriage. Rather than following tradition, some prefer to propose marriage in a less traditional manner. But caution is required if this is your only reason for proposing marriage over the phone. Not everyone will be happy to receive a phone proposal.
If you have received a marriage proposal over the phone do not automatically refuse just because it was not done face to face on bended knee with a ring to seal the engagement. Consider your relationship with your partner and see how the proposal fits in with their personality. Does your long distance relationship make it difficult for your partner to get the time off to jet in for the weekend to propose in person? Is your partner naturally shy? Do they like to break with tradition? After examining your partner's reasons for proposing over the phone you will be in a better position to decide whether or not you want to accept their marriage proposal.
