Every little girl grows up dreaming of a magical wedding, and the proposal itself is supposed to be the most romantic moment of her life. But let’s be honest—not every guy knows how to pull it off. In fact, some proposals are so awkward, cringey, or just plain weird that they should come with a warning label. We’ve rounded up 20 people who really should be banned from proposing marriage. From fast-food rings to public bathroom romance, here are the worst offenders.
The Fast-Food Fiascos
Some men think that the way to a woman’s heart is through her stomach—but there’s a fine line between romantic and ridiculous. Take the guy who proposed using a blooming onion. Yes, you read that right. Instead of a diamond, his girlfriend got a deep-fried appetizer. While it might be memorable, it’s hardly the stuff of fairy tales. If you’re considering a food-based proposal, maybe stick to something a little less greasy. For more heartwarming stories that actually go right, check out Stunning Photographs Of Terminally Ill Patients Fulfilling Their Final Wishes.
Then there was the guy who hid the ring in a sausage. Yes, a literal sausage. His girlfriend must have been horrified when she bit into her breakfast and found metal. This is a classic example of why you should never hide jewelry in food. It’s not romantic—it’s a choking hazard. If you want inspiration for genuine gestures, read Small And Insignificant Things He Does That Mean More Than An I Love You.
Public Disasters and Awkward Moments
The Bathroom Proposal
Does anyone actually find a public bathroom romantic? Apparently, at least one guy did. He popped the question in a grimy restroom, probably hoping the smell of air freshener would set the mood. Spoiler: it didn’t. If you want to make a grand gesture, at least pick a place with ambiance. For more on what not to do, read Why You Should Never Go Back To Someone Who Has Hurt You.
The Public Humiliation
Some proposals are designed to embarrass the recipient. One guy decided to ask his girlfriend in front of a huge crowd, but he didn’t bother to check if she’d say yes. She didn’t. The answer was a loud, clear “No!” captured on video for the world to see. If you’re going to propose in public, make sure you know the answer first. For tips on building a strong relationship, see Qualities That Make A Woman Beautiful Instead Of Sexy.
Creative but Questionable Ideas
The Head-Over-Heels Approach
One proposal literally had the woman upside down. Her boyfriend pulled a prank that involved tipping her over, and then he asked for her hand in marriage. While it might be original, it’s also a great way to give someone a concussion. If you want to sweep her off her feet, do it figuratively, not literally. For more uplifting stories, check out The Moving Story Of Chinas Basketball Girl Will Make You Believe That Nothing Is Impossible.
The Cattle Owner
One rancher decided to propose by offering his girlfriend joint ownership of his cattle. “Will you be the owner of my heart and my cattle?” he asked. While it’s sweet in a rustic way, not every woman dreams of a herd of cows as an engagement gift. If you want to win her heart, focus on what she loves. For relationship advice, read Signs That Your Partner Is Also Your Best Friend In The Whole World.
The Over-the-Top and Underwhelming
The Classified Ad
One man proposed via a classified ad in the newspaper. While it’s certainly public, it’s also incredibly impersonal. Imagine reading the morning paper and finding a marriage proposal buried between used cars and garage sales. Not exactly the stuff of romance novels. For a better approach, consider Tips That Will Make Life Easier For Every Woman.
The Shoe Obsession
Some men think that a pair of expensive shoes is the key to a woman’s heart. One guy proposed by hiding the ring inside a gorgeous pair of heels. While it’s creative, it also sends the message that material things matter most. If you want to impress her, focus on the sentiment, not the price tag. For more on meaningful gestures, see This 97Yearold Woman Cries Tears Of Joy When She Finally Received Her Graduation Diploma.
The Pranksters and Jokers
The Gotcha Moment
One proposal was a prank gone wrong. The guy pretended to propose as a joke, but his girlfriend didn’t find it funny. In fact, she walked away in tears. Pranks are great for laughs, but not for life-changing moments. If you want to propose, be sincere. For stories of genuine love, read This Pretty Girl Was Looking For A Rich Husband And Received An Unexpected Response.
The Double Surprise
Another guy decided to propose with a double surprise: first, he pretended to break up with her, then he pulled out the ring. Talk about emotional whiplash! While some might find it romantic, most would just find it cruel. For a better way to express your love, check out The Hardest Part Of Breaking Up With Someone Is Losing Your Best Friend.
The Unforgettable (for All the Wrong Reasons)
The Sausage-Loving Groom
We already mentioned the sausage ring, but there’s another food-related disaster: a guy who proposed with a hot dog. Yes, a plain hot dog. His girlfriend must have been starving for a real commitment. If you want to propose, skip the processed meats. For more on what makes a relationship work, see Why Your 20S Are The Best Time For A Longdistance Relationship.
The Sickbed Proposal
One man proposed to his girlfriend while she was sick in bed with the flu. While it shows dedication, it’s also a surefire way to spread germs. Who comes up with this stuff? If you want to propose, wait until she’s feeling better. For heartwarming tales of resilience, read This 100Yearold Woman Still Works Hours A Day Days A Week To Stay Active.
The Viral and the Vain
The Hot Girlfriend Showcase
Some proposals are less about love and more about showing off. One guy proposed in a way that made sure everyone could see how hot his girlfriend is. It’s tacky and objectifying. If you want to propose, make it about her, not her looks. For more on genuine beauty, read This Punk Girl Is Completely Transformed The Result Will Leave You Speechless.
The Always-Protected Love
One proposal involved a giant inflatable protection bubble. While it might be funny, it’s also a bit weird. Their love will always be protected—from what, exactly? For more on unique love stories, check out These Photographs Taken By Alexander Yakovlev Show Us The Beauty Of Dance And Rhythm.
The Sweet but Strange
The Totally Sweet Gesture
One guy proposed with a giant candy ring. While it’s sweet, it’s also not very durable. A candy ring won’t
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