The modern proposal is no longer a shock, but a conversation couples have months before anyone kneels. For decades, the proposal lived in the same cinematic universe. One partner nervously guarded a small box, friends acted suspiciously helpful, and the other person was expected to gasp on cue in a restaurant, a beach, or a park where a violinist mysteriously appeared at the exact right moment. The modern couple has gently retired that script. Instead of waiting for a life-al
