The journey a man has to undertake before proposing to his loved one

The first thing you have to do before proposing to your partner is to ruminate. You should take some time off to understand your feelings; whether they are still as strong and true as the first time you met her. This is of utmost importance because you must be able to comprehend how big of an issue this is. For example, the woman you are going to marry will become fat one day. Will you still love her even if she becomes all wrinkly and fat?

The next thing you have to do is to know who your future in laws are. If you have not fully ingratiate yourself thus far, now is the time to do it. Have a friendly talk with them. Talk to them about useless issues such as the weather and nothing about the engagement. If they do so much as to annoy your soul, run. You still have time to save your life because once your marry a woman, you are also marrying her family.

If all is good, proceed to the next step. Talk to your future best man; as of the moment, your buddy or brother or however you call it. Getting married is a huge thing; and you're bound to freak out every now and then. Consult your buddy if this should happen. If he gives you good advise such as 'you're just nervous because you're going to marry the woman you love,' - appoint him as your best man. If he says things that makes you ten times the nervous wreck you already are – bash him up but still keep him around because he still has his uses.

Next, run to a store and get her an engagement ring. Especially one that is sparkly enough to make her go ga-ga. One of the similarities between women and fish is that they both love shiny objects. So, use this as reference when choosing her ring. Above all, just make sure that the ring fits her finger or everything will be for naught.

After doing the aforementioned and if you are still sure of yourself, plan a romantic getaway that would blow her mind. Take her to the movies or do anything that she likes. End your day by taking her to a fancy fine-dining restaurant that has exquisite food, a romantic ambiance and beautiful music wafting in the air. If it is possible – though everything is possible if you have money – have the pianist play her favourite song on the piano. Even the most grouchy woman has a favourite song.

Last but not least, when all your hopes and dreams are about to become reality, do your thing. Serenade her, recite some romantic poems by Pablo Neruda. As your grande finale, get down on your knees and propose to her. By following these steps, you're sure to become an engaged man by the end of the day. That is, if all goes well and if the woman you're proposing to loves you as much as you her.

My understanding of honor

Honor or honoris in Latin is an abstract concept that contains fairness, respect and integrity. A person is labeled honorable when he or she adheres to the above qualities or if that particular individual follows a specific code of honor.

The first thing that comes to mind in regards to honor is Hector of Troy. Hector, not surprising, is also named one of the nine worthies together with Alexander the Great and King Arthur. Nine worthies or nine valiants consist of nine very extraordinary individuals. A title given solely to personages who embodies gallantry and courage. These individuals may not be a prince by birth but they are all indubitably 'princes' in their own right despite their circumstances.

Hector is the first-born son of King Priam and Queen Hecuba; and husband to the red-headed Andromache. He is also the strongest man in Troy. Given his position as heir apparent to the throne and a favourite of the king and queen, he is still one of the most down to earth man according to Homer's Illiad or any other sources. Whilst Achilles fights for honor and his reputation, Hector fights for the people of Troy. He is not regarded as one of the Nine worthies only because of his noble and courtly manner but in part of his peace-loving nature and overall character. He is a veritable paragon of heroism and modesty.

It is easy to define honor in bygone stories as opposed to the difficult task of applying honor to modern day folks. The world has certainly evolved into a technological-governed one. People have become more individualistic and materialistic; and that such honorable and honest to do attitude are long-forgotten.

A code of honor differs from a legal code. It is usually measured through a person's conscience rather than the eyes of a certain community. How often do we see such practiced code of honor?

As much as I hate to admit it, it is considerably easier to relate honor to myth and fiction instead of associating it to people of today's generation.