Did ya hear the news?
Singer Jason Mraz got engaged. But no sooner did he slip the ring on fellow singer Tristan Prettyman’s finger than he announced:
“We’re not getting married.”
What a kill joy.
Actually, it was a joint decision. The couple isn’t going to tie the knot until marriage is legal for everyone, namely gay couples.
The two join a growing list of celebrity couples who have made similar ‘we’re waiting until gay couples can marry’ decrees. I believe the first was Charlize Theron and Stuart Townsend. But they broke up in 2010 after nine years of dating…so it kinda became a moot point.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have also declared that they will not get hitched until gay marriage is legal. It is a strong public show of support for the gay community from two very public personalities, so kudos to them.
But this tiny little cynical voice deep down inside of me wonders — is that the real story? Is gay marriage the only reason that these couples are choosing to stay single? Or is it just a very good excuse to have a longer engagement…and keep their options open a bit longer?
They know as well as we how long — or should I say short — marriages are amid the stifling scrutiny of the paparazzi. If adopting a popular cause that they truly believe in gives them a bit more breathing room before they take the leap…
Who can blame them?
Popping the question
My nephew got engaged last week.
He proposed to his girlfriend while they were making dinner at his apartment. They texted me the news, including photos of the ring. A few days later they made the announcement on Facebook.
A modern love story.
I couldn’t help but compare that to Mr. Darcy’s proposal to Elizabeth Bennet in Pride & Prejudice. (I watched it again last night when my cable box was on the fritz.)
He proposed the first time in the rain. They argued, and she rejected him.
Then Mr. Darcy asked Elizabeth’s father for her hand in marriage before the family had even eaten breakfast.
For such a proper time in history, that whole thing seems a bit scandalous in comparison….don’t you think? Imagine your own son or daughter wandering into your front lawn at dawn in their PJs talking weddings. You’d think they were drunk.
Of course, it would make a good story.
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Posted in Commentary, Family, Humor, Life, Love, Movies, Relationships
Tagged commentary, Elizabeth Bennet, engagement, engagement announcement, engagement ring, entertainment, Facebook, family, hand in marriage, Humor, life, Movies, Mr. Darcy, night lothes, PJs, Pride & Prejudice movie, proposal, Reasons to Love New York, Relationships