There are also situations where older and more experienced partner, your lover. In this case, if it firmly believes in his, and his feelings, she is quite capable to take the initiative in their own hands. She has more life experience, it can play a leading role. But, of course, we must not show contempt for the partner: I decided, so be it.
There are men with a heightened self-esteem, a strong sense of self-esteem. For them, any failure - it is a tragedy. Therefore, they often simply afraid to ask for a woman's hand, they subconsciously tormented by the fear that they will give up, put in an awkward position, and it would be too painful. In such cases, women also may well take the initiative and either plain text or clear transparent hint to make it clear that it would not hurt to visit the Wedding Palace.
The main thing - do not be afraid and do not be shy. We are talking about personal happiness. But, of course, first woman must weigh the "pros" and "cons", and to take this step only if it is certain fortress mutual feelings.