My name is Ellen Braunstein and I'm a writer of courtship stories. I'm publishing a book that is a collection of my couples' stories. Also I'm including observations about ways couples meet and get engaged. I've done literally dozens of stories. I've observed four common experiences with proposals.

First, once a guy has earmarked the date, nothing will stop him even if his plan is falling apart. Second, approval from his fiancée's father is still important. Third, he's nervous as heck, and, fourth, no matter how much or when the woman expects it, popping the question completely shocks her - so much so she can't even remember saying yes.

I was wondering if any of this rings true for brides in this forum?