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About this quote

What does it mean?
An engagement should surprise a young woman, whether pleasant or unpleasant.
In plain terms
A proposal should catch a young woman off guard, for better or worse.
What can you take from it?
Unexpected proposals can be unsettling; consider timing.

Where it applies

  • dating
  • marriage negotiations

Putting it to work

  • communicate intentions early
  • respect emotional readiness

Questions to consider

  • When is a surprise proposal appropriate?
  • How can partners ensure mutual readiness?

Another view

Surprise proposals can be manipulative or disrespectful.

More from Oscar Wilde

  1. To lose one parent, Mr Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.

    Permalink to quote #149
  2. All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That's his.

    Permalink to quote #151
  3. Ah! That must be Aunt Augusta. Only relatives, or creditors, ever ring in that Wagnerian manner.

    Permalink to quote #148

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