- Feb 5, 2002
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Even as marriage between a man and a woman is undermined, ridiculed, or simply set aside, we naturally feel the power and poignancy of a man proposing to a woman. This particular form of human interaction holds an almost limitless interest for us. We want to hear the whole story, even when we already know how it turns out in the end.
Surely this is because in the proposal so much of that amazing reality called marriage is implied, foreshadowed and already embodied.
A man proposes to a woman. He is in love, and through the eyes of his love he starts to envision an utterly unique reality: life together in marriage. He senses that it is his to step forward and initiate it. He needs to know what he wants—for himself and for her—and how to go about achieving or at least starting to achieve it.
But one of the most remarkable things is just how little he actually comprehends when he proposes. How can it be that such a rich and solemn binding can be initiated by one in many ways unprepared to enact it? How can his proposal be worthy of a yes?
For sure, he must demonstrate some requisite things, such as an appropriate level of maturity and other-centeredness, not to mention a certain material readiness. He needs to be the kind of man who is ready to learn what he doesn’t even know he needs to learn.
Continued below.
When a Man Proposes | LifeCraft
Surely this is because in the proposal so much of that amazing reality called marriage is implied, foreshadowed and already embodied.
A man proposes to a woman. He is in love, and through the eyes of his love he starts to envision an utterly unique reality: life together in marriage. He senses that it is his to step forward and initiate it. He needs to know what he wants—for himself and for her—and how to go about achieving or at least starting to achieve it.
But one of the most remarkable things is just how little he actually comprehends when he proposes. How can it be that such a rich and solemn binding can be initiated by one in many ways unprepared to enact it? How can his proposal be worthy of a yes?
For sure, he must demonstrate some requisite things, such as an appropriate level of maturity and other-centeredness, not to mention a certain material readiness. He needs to be the kind of man who is ready to learn what he doesn’t even know he needs to learn.
Continued below.
When a Man Proposes | LifeCraft
