Imagine being in a loving relationship for four years, and when the time comes to propose, it all goes downhill. In a surprising turn of events, a man’s attempt at a romantic proposal leaves his girlfriend in tears, feeling cornered and pressured. The couple had discussed marriage and kids in passing, but their careers were their main focus. The girlfriend and her brother often joked about the pressure they felt from their parents to get married. So, when the opportunity arose at a family dinner, the boyfriend thought it was the perfect time to propose. But was it really?
A Four-Year Relationship

Family Pressure to Get Married

The Perfect Time?

The Dinner Party ️

The Proposal

Celebrations Begin

The Aftermath

A Foregone Conclusion?

Disappointing Parents

Wishing for a Private Proposal

Expectation vs. Reality

Not Knowing Her

Was it Romantic?

More Than Just One Evening

A Proposal Gone Wrong
In a bid to be romantic, our hopeful groom-to-be popped the question in front of both families, only to have it backfire. His girlfriend felt cornered and pressured, wishing he had proposed privately so they could discuss their future together. Now, she’s questioning their relationship, feeling like he doesn’t truly know her or what she wants. The man is left confused, wondering why the proposal should affect her answer when their relationship is about more than just that one evening. What do you think of this proposal predicament? Let’s dive into some top responses from the internet!
Proposing in front of her family was a hostage situation. YTA.

Public proposals should only be done if explicitly requested. YTA.

OP’s insensitive public proposal leaves girlfriend questioning their relationship. YTA

OP proposed without considering GF’s feelings or desires. YTA.

Proposal in front of family without prior discussion, YTA.

Proposing without discussion or privacy is a recipe for disaster

Proposing without discussing marriage beforehand is a YTA move

Commenter accuses proposer of being manipulative and gets agreement.

Proposal fail: Commenter calls out unfair pressure on girlfriend. YTA

Communication is key! Discussing marriage beforehand can prevent surprises

Public proposals without prior discussion can be uncomfortable and coercive. YTA

Proposing at a family gathering isn’t romantic

Public proposals should be discussed beforehand. YTA according to commenters.

Commenter thinks proposer is TA, predicts resentment and hurt.

Public proposals can be pressuring and take away agency

Engagement surprise in public? Recipe for disaster says commenter.

Public proposals can be pressuring, YTA should have known better

Commenter calls out unromantic proposal, others agree.

Communication is key before proposing. YTA for not discussing first.

Commenter and reply agree: proposing in front of family was wrong

Man proposes in front of family, gets called out for immaturity

Commenter calls out proposer for lack of communication and pressure

Commenter calls out proposer’s lack of consideration.

Respect your partner’s wishes before proposing publicly. YTA
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Mistakenly proposed, but NAH. Apologize and have an honest discussion.

Commenter thinks public proposals are a soft YTA

Man ignores girlfriend’s wishes, proposes in front of family. YTA.

Commenter calls out manipulative proposal, suggests repairing with honest conversation

Commenter explains why proposing in front of family is problematic

Public proposals can be stressful and give little choice.

Proposed in front of pressuring family, surprised by pressured yes

Advice on discussing future plans after poorly-timed proposal. YTA.

Proposal surprise not inherently bad, but communication is key. NAH

Surprise public proposal in front of family? YTA according to commenter.

Public proposals are hostage situations

Proposal fail: YTA didn’t communicate, pressured girlfriend to marry

Ignoring her feelings and proposing in front of family? YTA

Proposal fail: YTA proposes in front of family, ignores girlfriend’s wishes

Commenter thinks proposer is TA for surprising girlfriend.

Commenter calls out manipulative proposal, deems OP YTA

Proposing without discussing marriage was manipulative and disrespectful. YTA

Public proposals: YTA according to this comment.

YTA proposal fail. Listen to your partner to avoid tears

Commenter calls out OP for being the a**hole in proposal.

Public proposal fail: YTA didn’t discuss it with girlfriend first

Proposal fail: YTA didn’t consider partner’s preferences
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Commenter gently calls out proposer for not considering girlfriend’s feelings
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Proposal fail: Commenter calls out lack of listening skills

Private proposals are better than public ones. YTA.
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Pressure-filled proposal earns YTA verdict

Proposing in public can be stressful and take away choice. YTA
