MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Few aspects of a courtship receive the high level of public attention as the moment he proposes marriage.

Most women can't help the romantic side of their personalities that longs for a special, thoughtful proposal. From the time their mothers recount their own stories, many girls begin dreaming.

"Family stories and traditions are like the mortar that cements relationships together," said Dr. Louise Davis, child and family development specialist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service. "Proposal stories aren't just fun during the engagement time, they can be among the most treasured memories couples carry throughout their marriage and serve as romantic benchmarks in their relationship."

Davis said making the proposal personal and consistent with both personalities is important. Some women would be embarrassed by a banner behind an airplane, and others may not need an overly romantic gesture.

"It's hard to go wrong with a proposal after a meal at a favorite restaurant or a walk to a place with special memories for you as a couple," Davis said. "Sometimes it just the surprise that makes the moment memorable."

Knowing the answer is an important aspect of popping the question.

"It's not unusual for one person to be ready to make a marriage commitment before the other. Asking too early can scare away a person who might warm up to the idea if given a little more time," Davis said. "Any hesitation can hurt the feelings of the person asking the question."

Knowing the preferred type of engagement ring is another important detail.

"Don't let the desire for a surprise override the fact that she will be the one wearing the ring. Most women have an opinion on what they like and dislike," Davis said.

While a student at MSU, Amy Houston Bonds, now of Tupelo, knew the question was coming and even had picked out a ring she liked.

"Scott still totally surprised me. I thought we were many months away from an actual proposal. He took me on a picnic, and I was speechless when I found the ring box in the cooler," she said.

An additional surprise was that her fiancÈ chose a totally different ring.

"It's not like I would turn down any ring Scott gave me. I wanted to marry him, and I still loved the ring he chose, especially after it defrosted," she said.

"Since I was sure I'd know when Scott was going to propose, I really appreciated the effort he put into surprising me," Bonds said. "The surprise of the proposal and different ring made for a memorable day."