"Will You Marry Me?"

Do you have to use that phrase?

This past weekend I went out with some friends and posed that question to the group. All the women at my table said that it is imperative that those words be uttered. I kindly disagree. I would much rather me asked, "Will you be my wife/husband/partner?" or "Will you spend the rest of your life with me?" (even if I know that many marriages do not last a lifetime)

Thoughts?