This isn’t the 13th Century, neither is it Scotland to which this tradition dates back to. But the added day to our February almanacs is generating a bout of interest amidst city folk. 2016 is a leap year and women in the city are getting ready to break stereotypes, drop on one knee and take the big leap – propose to the men in their lives on February 29 and apps are cashing in on the trend too!
For rom-com fanatic, Shriya Bharadwaj it was a natural extension of one of her all-time favourite flicks, Leap Year.
“I’ve dropped hints to my boyfriend all the time and he just doesn’t seem to pick up on them, so, I decided to pop the question. You can’t wait around for your fairy tale, you’ve got to make your own,” says the 27-year-old.
Incidentally, she admits that she isn’t cheesy and she decided to go about the proposal the adventure way. “I came across the whole idea on a local discovery app called Little. It suggested that I could pop the question while zorbing, bungee jumping or taking a microlight flight. I zeroed in on the last one – at least if he says no, I can push him out the door,” laughs Shriya.
Apps are building on the trend too and are inspiring hatke proposals. “A leap year comes only once in four years and this is the opportune moment for Bengaluru women to take their relationship to the next level,” says Manish Chopra, CEO of local discovery app, Little. Inspired by the tradition, “We wanted to help create the perfect proposal. So, our array of fun-filled and adrenaline packed activities like water zorbing, parasailing, bungee jumping and rafting will ensure unique and memorable experiences of the couple’s most special day. For the slightly faint hearted, we have also included an intimate and romantic pottery session experience,” says Manish.
When the society is vying for equality, why shouldn’t you take the first step, start the trend and make your beloved feel special? “It’s really clichéd to wait around for a proposal,” says Lakshmi Rao. The 24-year-old whose high school romance has blossomed into a 10-year-relationship says that it’s high time that she formalised things. “Honestly, I had no idea about the tradition. On a night out with my girlfriends, one of them happened to tell me about it and I thought, ‘Why not?’,” says the IT professional, who is all set to pop the question while literally taking the leap – bungee jumping. “Although my boyfriend is an adrenaline junkie, I’m pretty scared of heights. So, if I survive this jump, may be we’ll head out for dinner and a drive,” adds Lakshmi.
What if it’s a no and you’re as frustrated as a person who is born on a leap year and celebrates their birthday once in four years? Counselor Suvratha John asks you not to panic. “Calmly ask him for his reasons – it may range from financial security, emotional attachment to goals. Or he may not be willing to commit and settle down. If you feel that he’s using time as an excuse, and his suggested engagement date seems unrealistically distant, then take some time apart from him and work out what you really want: is it marriage, or is it him? If it’s just a flat-out “No,” then the relationship may well not be the right one for either of you and it’s time to move on. Stop trying to change yourself for a relationship that’s not meant to be. And don’t try to change him either, it doesn’t work,” she says. Good luck, lassies!
