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Which Knee Do You Kneel On When Proposing?
When planning the finer details of proposing, you may eventually wonder which knee you kneel on.
Of course, you don’t have to bend the knee to propose at all. But if you’re participating in this tradition, why not get it right down to the last detail? Could you even consider a certain knee part of tradition? Here’s a leg up on kneeling to propose.
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The Left Knee Tradition
Believe it or not, some sources insist that the left knee is the correct knee to kneel on when proposing. In fact, these etiquette experts take it further by dictating which hands should do what as well.
Traditionalists specifically state that you bend your left leg until your knee is on the floor, with your right knee up in front of you. Make sure you’re holding the ring box in your left hand, and open it with your right hand. Now you can pop the question.
Why is this the traditionally correct way? It is said to be the way knights would kneel, and this method is the proper way to show respect, deference, surrender.
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Making a Case for Your Right Leg
Does the idea of proposing make you weak in the knees? If so, maybe you should consider kneeling on your right knee to propose.
More than 70 percent of the population is right-handed. In many cases, that means their entire right side is dominant and therefore stronger. It just may be that kneeling on your right knee would give you a more stable base.
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Which Knee Do You Kneel On When Proposing? The Bottom Line
So, is choosing a particular knee to kneel on overthinking matters, or is there a correct way to do it? In summary:
- Traditionalists say you should kneel on the left knee, like a proper knight.
- Most people are right side-dominant, so using your right leg might be more reliable.
- Studies and surveys on kneeling to propose universally ignore which knee hits the ground.
- Your partner probably won’t notice which knee you use. Surveys indicate they just want you to get to the question.
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Ultimately, you have more important things to worry about. Where will you propose? Who will capture the moment? Is this the right ring? Unless your partner has an incredible fixation on their “knight in shining armor” they likely won’t care one bit about which knee you use.
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In the end, the right knee to kneel on when proposing is the one you choose.
© 2020
I’m fairly certain that, should I elect to get married, I would not spend a moment worrying about which knee to use- but, instead upon the verbiage to choose.
Hey Roy you can learn more about what to say here: https://www.mattamphotography.com/what-to-say-when-proposing/
This is so interesting! I’ve never thought about what knee my husband bent down on! I’m sure he was so nervous and about what he was going to say that he wasn’t thinking about the knee. I love this!
Thanks Bridget, there is so much to worry during the proposal, there are more important things to remember from that day
I was always wondering that! I didn’t even think about that if I were to ever do that. I am a traditionalist so I will stick to the left knee when I propose.
Those are fantastic pictures. Really puts me in the right mindset.
And a well thought out post on proposing. Gives me a lot of food for thought.
Peter, thank you for the comment. There’s no right or wrong answer here, do what you feel best! Good luck
I’ve never thought of this before, I thought everyone kneels on the right one…This is actually awesome…Great information.
I didn’t know that it even mattered which knee was used. I don’t think anyone would care but it’s nice to know certain things.
I’m left knee kind of guy. I guess I’m a traditionalist.
I had no idea there was a correct knee to do this!
I had no idea there was a difference in which one. Neat to know!
This is interesting! I honestly didn’t even notice which knee my husband used. I was just so excited.
It’s wild that some people actually believe there is a correct knee. I know people have all kinds of etiquette rules but it seems a bit much. I think I would have to go down on my right knee because left is too awkward.
Very interesting post. I had no idea that there was a knee that you needed to use.
Ha, I’ve never thought it matters where you kneel because my husband didn’t even kneel. He just proposed when we had a private time in a garden that was so dark and intimate and there were stars above us.
This is so much interesting facts. I don’t have any idea but for me it doesn’t really matter which knee will bend down as long as you’re sincere. we are good.
Thanks for enlightening me about going down on my left knee! Too bad it came 4 years too late hahaha.
I didn’t even know there’s art to kneeling when being proposed to lol. This was an interesting read.
Enjoyed this post on something l havent really considered before!
Great tips for proposing men. I cant wait until I have my day!