While women's proposals have in the past been limited to a leap year tradition, more and more women are choosing to pop the question, leap year or not. Think you might like to bite the bullet? Jenny Colgan shares her proposal tips

We're all aware that men can be slow on the uptake and, occasionally, just need a shove in the right direction. So, here are some proposal tips:

Firstly, don't think you're all alone - 9% of proposals are from women to men, and 80% of men would accept a proposal from a woman. Monica proposed to Chandler in Friends, and so did Miranda to Steve in Sex and the City.

If you really do want to, make sure the answer is going to be yes. I have never met a couple who have survived the answer to a proposal being no. And remember, proposals aren't the answer to dodgy relationships.

Do NOT do it if you've known the fellow for less than six months, exactly the point at which your rose-tinted specs will convince you both to say yes, before you discover his four previous convictions and his credit card bill.

Don't get down on one knee, especially if you're in stilettos. Women rarely look good in this position and you may find his head tilting down your breasts. Plus, if you're already doing the asking, you don't want to look particularly craven.

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How to propose to your man