Marry Me. Now.

In today's relationship climate, does a surprise wedding proposal exist?

Probably not, according to a recent Wall Street Journal article. The piece highlights how proposals don't come out of the blue anymore. Most couples talk about marriage together and negotiate a time frame.

Still, the article offers a disclaimer:

Even so, do not mistake this for a level playing field. While there is more negotiation and compromise about the marriage timetable, Ms. Miller says her research showed that the man still holds the power to shut down the marriage conversation. Men in their 20s and 30s don't seem to view the backroom negotiation as emasculating or ceding their turf to a generation of empowered women either. On the contrary—all this talking may have simply eliminated the only scary aspect of a proposal for a man: that the woman will say no.

I think our culture's engagement traditions are one of a relationship's most frustrating components. As much as we've progressed, this is one area in which women often feel completely powerless.

Say nothing and you're forced to live with daily inquiries about why you're not engaged. Press the issue with your partner and suddenly you're psycho.

So you must simply sit back and wait. And that's not fun at all.

Agree?

(Crossed the engagement hurdle? Check out reporter Katie Holland's wedding-planning blog.)