I've heard so many single friends who have never been in long-term relationships tell me, "If a guy proposes in XYZ way, I will break up with him." For most of them, I'm sure that's an exaggeration. Most couples discuss whether they're interested in public or private proposals before the rock is even purchased, and few people would abandon the love of their life because they get down on two knees like Shane Dawson did. As long as a proposal is romantic and thoughtful, most people would be satisfied.
This situation brings up some fascinating contradictions. The boyfriend proposed in an objectively romantic location, on a beach in Hawaii, but he didn't propose during the sunset, which is when his girlfriend had previously said she wanted the proposal to be. Does not crafting the proposal precisely as his girlfriend envisioned make him a bad boyfriend, or is she asking for too much?
This situation brings up some fascinating contradictions. The boyfriend proposed in an objectively romantic location, on a beach in Hawaii, but he didn't propose during the sunset, which is when his girlfriend had previously said she wanted the proposal to be. Does not crafting the proposal precisely as his girlfriend envisioned make him a bad boyfriend, or is she asking for too much?