To think public proposals are an awful thing to do?

[abacucat]

Unless you 100% know that the person really does want to marry you. Otherwise it is very unfair as it makes it very difficult for the other person to say no.

In a public place, but between two people only.

Otherwise just tacky.

I absolutely agree with pp that some men undoubtedly do this because they think their gf might say no if they propose in private, and they know that there's more pressure to say yes when there's an audience. I think it's massively tacky at best, and cynically manipulative at worst.

My ex Husband staged the proposal - I had a feeling it was coming as it was the only time he booked us a meal at a restaurant in a decade of being together. He actually had the waiter hand me the ring... In a packed room full of strangers who stared then clapped along with the serving staff. I was so embarrassed, it was so not me at all. I should have run for the hills.

But he had form for controlling and it was another red flag in an abusive relationship so... I agree OP.

Some people do enjoy being the centre of attention though. I can think of one person who would absolutely love it.

Same here stealth.

I can think of two. one is SIL