Top 10 Truths About Romance, Men and Engagements

Who’s more romantic? Should the woman propose? When do I change my Facebook relationship status? How much money to spend? Are “Man-gagement” rings legit? The questions are endless when it comes to love, romance and engagements; and yes, men and women have different perspectives. As we enter February, the second most popular month to propose marriage (after December), Steve Elliott Marketing Research conducted an online survey for Robbins Brothers to gauge trends and preferences for dating and popping the question.

Check out some interesting facts to consider during the “season of love.”

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• Needy Is Normal. Men need love too. Over 60% want to be told and shown that they are loved. More than twice as many men as women want to be told daily.

• Surprise. More men than women think the marriage proposal needs to be a surprise.

• Don’t hold back. Romance is still the main desired ingredient in a marriage proposal. One out of every three wishes their proposal could have been more fanciful.

• Very Social Media. Social Media clearly plays an important role in one’s engagement announcement. Half of respondents say they would update their Facebook status right away after a proposal. 75% say within a week.

• Follow Your…Over half of men admit to getting married for good ole fashion love as opposed to sex, social pressure, good health and family.

• YouTube’s Okay. Living in a world where reality shows rule the tube, 2 out of every 3 surveyed said they would allow their proposal to be recorded and posted on YouTube. In fact, one out of every 10 would actually propose via YouTube.

• This Way Please. Contemplating how to execute the perfect proposal? Over half of respondents would accept an electronic proposal but nearly 75% prefer a quiet intimate dinner for two as the ideal setting.

• Man-gagement? Think engagement rings for men are ridiculous? Definitely reconsider. Two-thirds of men are open to the idea of wearing one.

• Go Ahead, Ask. Long gone are the days of women waiting for men to propose marriage, and according to the survey, 30% of women and over 40% of men think it’s perfectly okay for women to pop the question instead.

• Accept No Substitutes. What really makes the engagement official? 80% say the ring seals the deal.