WOULD-BE brides planning a taffeta stampede on February 29 would do well to heed the findings of a survey that shows men are not in the mood. Research carried out by Nuts magazine found a leap year marriage proposal is about as tempting to a man as being locked in a clinch with Fatima Whitbread.
The surprisingly unscientific reason?
The deal breaker for one in five men is fear of long-term commitment.
Next up is fear of what the best man might say in his speech, a finding unlikely to inspire confidence in the woman in his life who will wonder what her man has to hide.
A mere one in 10 cite the expense and hassle, highlighting the male propensity to tell women what they want to hear in the interest of avoiding further hassle.
Crying while taking the vows is another concern, but not on account of creating panda bear eyes.
As many as 8% cringe at the thought of the first dance, and 6% are put off by having to choose a best man. After that, in descending order of shame and self-pity:
* Drunken family rows are a consideration for 5%.
* A similar number are deterred by the horror of having to watch soaps instead of footie.
* A shallow 4% are put off because they fancy the bridesmaid more than the bride.
* And surprisingly, the mother-in-law factor is a no-no for just 3%.
So, given the level of negativity surrounding marriage, is the trend for wedlock finally on its knees?
Not so, say researchers. Nuts also spoke to married men and almost three-quarters sang off the Edith Piaf hymn sheet of “Non, Je ne regrette rien”. Once they got over their fear of the big day, it turned out to be “the best of their lives”.
Nick Soldinger, Nuts deputy editor, said: “People think that men do not get stressed about weddings, but while women are openly discussing their concerns, men are privately facing up to the social humiliation of dancing, public speaking and wearing a daft outfit.
“All of our stress happens in one day rather than over the preceding months — no wonder we put marriage off!”
With so much at stake is it any wonder men are more likely to say “I don’t”?
Take heed all you terrified males. Garlic and holy water may ward off the traditional vampire, but it could take more than a shove into sunlight to stop the female vamp asking for your hand on Friday.
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