Relationship and courtship rules have significantly changed over the years, and it has now become acceptable for women to ask men out for dates or even marriage. Long ago, women were expected to wait around for their love to pop the question, with the exception of February 29th which only occurs during leap year. Also known as Sadie Hawkins Day, the tradition of women being able to ask a man for his hand in marriage dates back hundreds of years, but was only considered acceptable on a day that only occurs once every four years. Although this tradition is pretty much extinct, asking a man for his hand in marriage on Sadie Hawkins day is still very romantic, and a very popular day for popping the question.

Asking a man for his hand is marriage is just as special as a man proposing to a woman, so it should be planned out to make it a memorable event. Since the date is already decided, the next step is planning out a nice location to pop the question. Sticking with the entire Sadie Hawkins theme, you should make the date plans and invite him out to join you. Because Sadie Hawkins day represents women having equal rights, the date should be planned around something that you really enjoy. You can plan a dinner and a movie, a romantic picnic at the beach, or just about anything you can think of that you know the two of you will enjoy.

The next step is deciding when to pop the question, because there is always the perfect moment in almost any situation. You can plan to have the ring placed in a glass of champagne if you are planning a dinner date, or hide it inside a picnic basket if you go for an outdoors theme. You can even hide the ring in your purse and whip it out at the right moment, or try and sneak it into his pocket. Although almost any scenario can be perfect, you will want to make sure and use the element of surprise to your advantage. The day you propose to your soon-to-be husband is going to be a day the two of you will never forget, so try your best to make it exciting and fun, rather than dull and boring.

Because the leap year is a long time tradition, it is ideal for women to follow proposal traditions as well. Getting down on one knee isn't only for men, so feel free to do so when popping the question to your guy. You may get some silly looks if you are in a restaurant or in public, but all that matters is that you are showing your man how much you love him. Slip the ring on his finger like he would for you, and keep your fingers crossed while you wait for a response.

Proposing to a man on February 29th is a long time tradition, and a great way to make your proposal memorable. Proposing to your soon-to-be husband will be a story that can be told over and over again, and a great way to show your man how much you really care about him. Instead of waiting and waiting for your man to propose to you, start making plans to propose to him since February 29th is just around the corner.