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Dodging the 29 Feb question
It's 29 February. That means it's the one day in the calendar, tradition dictates, that ladies may ask gentlemen for their hand in marriage.
Proposals are usually dramatic matters, either at a moment of inspiration or carefully planned and hatched for maximum impact. And that will be truer than ever today.
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The wedding industry, now served by a multitude of "how to" magazines and websites, is full of advice. One, webwedding.co.uk, even has a "Girl's guide to popping the question".
"Choose your time carefully," the site says, adding that girls should consider what type of person their boyfriend is.
"Is he an extrovert, who would love to be the centre of attention when you pop the question? Or would he rather share an intimate moment, just the two of you together?"
It goes on to say that anyone proposing should have a back-up plan, just in case the answer is no.
Thoughtfully it adds: "Whatever the reason, he probably feels pretty bad saying 'no' - so, if you love him, don't make him feel any worse, try and make light of the situation."
Another site, Confetti.co.uk, offers an A-Z of leap year proposing. For instance, G is for "Give him time".
"Choose your time carefully," the site says, adding that girls should consider what type of person their boyfriend is.
"Is he an extrovert, who would love to be the centre of attention when you pop the question? Or would he rather share an intimate moment, just the two of you together?"
It goes on to say that anyone proposing should have a back-up plan, just in case the answer is no.
Thoughtfully it adds: "Whatever the reason, he probably feels pretty bad saying 'no' - so, if you love him, don't make him feel any worse, try and make light of the situation."
Another site, Confetti.co.uk, offers an A-Z of leap year proposing. For instance, G is for "Give him time".
 Careful now...
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"Don't give up hope if he doesn't dive into your arms the instant you mention the M word.
"You should be pleased that he's taking the time to sort his head out because it means he's considering your relationship properly. And, frankly, how many times has he done THAT before?"
But who will spare a thought for those poor dumb chaps who - until the moment 1 March dawns - will be terrified in case their girlfriend decides to seizes the day?
And what about those girls whose fellas have been subtly dropping hints for weeks that it's a leap year, hoping to spur an act of feisty impulse?
Both of them, fear not. BBC News Online is at hand.
"You should be pleased that he's taking the time to sort his head out because it means he's considering your relationship properly. And, frankly, how many times has he done THAT before?"
But who will spare a thought for those poor dumb chaps who - until the moment 1 March dawns - will be terrified in case their girlfriend decides to seizes the day?
And what about those girls whose fellas have been subtly dropping hints for weeks that it's a leap year, hoping to spur an act of feisty impulse?
Both of them, fear not. BBC News Online is at hand.
| FEARFUL FELLAS | |
WORRIED WOMEN |
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| If - strangely - she invites you out to dinner, refuse at all costs. Isn't there a work do you could go to? It is a Tuesday night, after all. | |
Remind him that you hate to do things just because it's tradition. After all, isn't that what he said on Valentine's Day? |
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| Beware the words: "Sweetie, can we talk?" Hijack the conversation immediately with news of a close friend getting divorced or a harrowing account of your own parents' marriage break-up. | |
"There's 29 days in February this year? Oh no, that means it's yet another day until I get paid." There's nothing like financial worries to cool the ardour. |
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| If a phone conversation gets out of hand, use this phrase: "Crrrcccchhhrrrrrr - you're breaking up - crrrcccchhhrrrrrr - tunnel ..." | |
Go for the sport angle. "Oh, is it really leap year? Is that the same year as the World Cup, or is it the Olympics?" |
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| Even if you're on a normal phone. | |
Speak loudly on the phone to your friend about the time you asked your ex to marry you on 29 Feburary. How you'll laugh! |
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| Don't agree to go on a last minute trip to Paris. | |
Quite simply, stay away from all alcohol. |
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| Seem pained and preoccupied all day. If asked what's wrong, say: "Oh, nothing, it must just be something I ate yesterday, that's all." Interrupt the flow of any serious sounding "chat" with regular trips to the bathroom. | |
Whatever you do, turn down any offers to do with baths, massages, champagne or candlelight. It means he's scoured the women's magazines for tips on seduction. |
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| Just don't go home after work. Turn phones off altogether. | |
Isn't that big project just about to hit deadline? You'll probably be stuck at work all evening - which is a terrible shame, because you really were looking forward to that special dinner he'd planned. |
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| Reply to emails "Sorry, I shall be out of the office all day today. I'll be back on 1 March." | |
That girlfriend that got married last year. It's no coincidence that he's suddenly invited her around. |
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| If she asks you to go for a walk with her, just get on the bus, Gus. | |
Do the old-fashioned thing. Pick a fight. |
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