Marriage?

I remember when my ex-husband proposed. I remember it because, of course, it was the beginning of the end. I remember because my first thought was - 'How exactly does one go about saying no?". And my very next thought? "Well, there's always divorce." Not that I didn't love him - I suppose I just didn't really see the point, you know? We were already committed; what difference would it make?
Now I have very few friends who would agree. In fact, most of them are frighteningly obsessed with the idea of marriage. Trust me, I've tried to steer them in the other direction. I've given them my bitter divorcee talk many times over and from many different vantage points. But - well, there is a really beautiful dress involved, and some decent jewellry. I guess I can see the appeal. My dress was lovely, although I must confess that, when standing at the front of the church, all I could think was "everyone is potentially fixated on the massive bow on my ass". The party was great, though. Fantastic wine, great music. My brother called me beautiful in a speech and made me cry. Actually, I really do believe everyone is entitled to a wedding- I just don't think you should have to get married to get one.
The new trend I've noticed? Why are women starting to tell their fellas to propose? I know three seperate cases of the 'militant proposal'. They are all in their mid-20's - that's right 20's!! - with boyfriends of between 1 - 4 years. And they've each given a variation of 'if you haven't proposed by _ we're through.' Where does a fella go from there? And how do they think they'll feel if he does actually propose? Surprised? Romantic? Mortified? Triumphant? And what do they do if he doesn't propose? Because I seriously doubt any of them will.
Here's a thought - throw caution to the wind and propose yourself. Yes it's unorthodox and terrifying. But at least you'll know where you stand. On solid ground or quick sand; either way, you'll know.